The array of cakes is fantastic, I only popped in for coffee with a pregnant friend but couldn't get passed the chocolate mouse (in a chocolate cup), it was delicious - as was the blueberry cheesecake. Not too expensive, either. Staff were ok but a little slow and the toilets were slightly smelly but if you're in the area perfect for a quick coffee-stop. Right near one end of Epping Forest too.
Despite being on the edge of the normally rather lairy Grassmarket they have a strict policy about not admitting drunk people or hen/stag parties, so the atmosphere remains casual but civilised.
Upstairs is a little cramped - or I could say 'cosy' as it's not uncomfortably so but you'd struggle to fiund buggy space.
The banquette tables downstairs would be best if you have small kids and/or a buggy, so probably best to mention when you book.
Changing table in ground floor unisex disabled toilet. Highchairs available - those ones that hook onto the table - and they have a childrens menu. Can warm bottles on request.
Prices are reasonable particularly given the quality of the food, although of course you can rack up the price by going for the oysters, fillet steak and top-end wine!
Not cheap at £17 per adult, £9.50 per child or a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £47. Still, interesting and well presented exhibitions including the famous Crown Jewels. This exhibiion gets really busy so not great for buggies. The rest of the facilities have obviously been considered for family groups. Kids love the stories about the Beefeaters and Ravens.
Fantastic if occasionally over-fancy food. Not cheap,but great surroundings - the pub is done out like the bar of a country-house hotel. There is a 'drinkers only' area too.
You can choose to eat in the restaurant or the less formal bar area. Brookmans is light and airy.
They will heat bottles on request and there is a changing table in the unisex disabled loo.
There is a garden out the back - great in summer. When we were there we saw a number of families with kids of all ages (including a breastfeeding baby) but the environment was still 'grown-up'.
I love Belgos, but that's because I love mussles & frites. And just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to miss out. Belgos is very child friendly. There's a seperate end to the restaurant where they tend to put families and those with children. There's a special kids menu, which comes with craysons and doubles as an activity sheet. Best of all, kids under 12 eat for free (usually £4.99) is adults are eating a main course which isn't on an offer (like beat the clock or the express menu). There's even a lift to take you down to the restaurant. Great 'parent friendly' place to eat nice food and drink nice Belgian beer :o)
The tour is worth doing if you're a true cricket fan but it's qutie long and for anyone that isn't into their cricket it might border on the boring (but still interesting!).
This is a great place to take kids of all ages, there's so much for them to do there and they usuall have tons of free stuff going on once you're inside. You can take a packed lunch or the restaurant has lots of kids options, they even sell baby food and last time we went they had heating facilities for bottles (don't know if it's still there though). It's a great day out and worth checking th website to see what's on for kids on the day you go. I've taken my nephews several times, when they were tiny, when they were toddlers and even now, when they're bigger and they both love it.
Great place to take kids of all ages, for the older ones there's sky sports on the TV (assuming they like sports, that is!) for the younger ones there's lots to see and it's quite a fun atmosphere. The food's really nice (especially the steak!) and the staff are very attentive. It gets really busy though, so it may involve a wait for a table. Plus points are a great range of non-alcoholic cocktails, lush afters and a dedicated, seperate room to change babies in.
This is a great place to take kids, it's a shame you have to walk through the shop to get to the cafe (sneeky!) but the cafe itself is full of animated animals and 'thunderstorms' every now and then. They have a good menu and the food's nice, but it's not cheap. Kids get an activity pack when they arrive. It's a good place to go to keep kids quiet for an hour or so while you're in town but it's generally really busy in there - so don't expect a relaxing lunch!
West Lodge Park is a country hotel set in beautiful grounds of The Beale Arboretum, comprising 800 different species of trees from around the world. Hotel guests can visit the grounds at any time and the Arboretum is open to the public every afternoons 2 - 5 pm (admission £2.50).
The Mary Beale restaurant (named after Britain's first professional woman painter) is light and airy with soft seating. The food in the bar ranges from sandwiches to more substantial bar meals such as sausage and mash, and there is also a full restaurant menu. They actively try and source locally - see here for more details:
There were several families with well behaved children when we were there - this is definitely not somewhere to have children running amok - and the access to the restaurant was fairly biggy friendly with only three small steps to navigate. There are changing facilities and also the toilets have lockable hooks if you want to leave your buggy or baby-bag somewhere while you eat.
A nice place to go for a walk / allow the kids to run around and then have a civilised meal or snack afterwards.
West Lodge Park is a country hotel set in beautiful grounds of The Beale Arboretum, comprising 800 different species of trees from around the world. Hotel guests can visit the grounds at any time and the Arboretum is open to the public every afternoons 2 - 5 pm (admission £2.50).
The Mary Beale restaurant (named after Britain's first professional woman painter) is light and airy with soft seating. The food in the bar ranges from sandwiches to more substantial bar meals such as sausage and mash, and there is also a full restaurant menu. They actively try and source locally - see here for more details:
There were several families with well behaved children when we were there - this is definitely not somewhere to have children running amok - and the access to the restaurant was fairly biggy friendly with only three small steps to navigate. There are changing facilities and also the toilets have lockable hooks if you want to leave your buggy or baby-bag somewhere while you eat.
A nice place to go for a walk / allow the kids to run around and then have a civilised meal or snack afterwards.
Cafe Mezza serves a mixture of Lebanese and Italian food ( meze etc plus pizzas), a good range of soft drinks plus a basic list of alcoholic drinks. The food is all apparently great, and the preparation is all done in an open kitchen which is always a good sign.
They have obviously tried hard with the decor to make this feel like 'a restaurant' and not just 'a kebab house', however somehow it still manages to feel like a fast-food joint. Partly this is to do with the level of cleanliness - the floors were dirty and tables left uncleared, and the toilets were a bit grubby, as if someone had wiped a mop/cloth around without actually cleaning anything. The people eating their food out of paper instead of off plates didn't exactly help to banish the 'fast food' image either!
When we went there were several families with kids of various ages who seemed to run around happily - this is presumably great fun for the kids but probably not very safe as the staff are in and out of the kitchen area with hot food and drinks. There was space for buggies in the seating area by the window, and also presumably at the back, although you'd have to navigate the narrow seating area alongside the kitchen which could be inconvenient.
They really let themselves down on only having baby changing in the women's toilets and also by the children's menu; with all the yummy and healthy lebanese food on the menu, and meze which are perfect for kids to pick at, the childrens menu was basically chicken nuggets and chips. Yuck.
Som Naturals (We are Natural) is a small-scale craft textile firm established by Jordi Cugat and Dora Garriga. Having spent much of their lives working in the field of leather goods and collectables, they decided to employ their knowledge in creating an original product line: exclusive 100% natural cotton and jute clothing for children.
They divide their time between their workshop and their involvement at craft fairs in Catalonia and elsewhere in Spain, where they have won a number of awards thanks to the painstaking approach they take both to our stalls and to they garments.
As well as their workshop (address above) they can be found at the Rambla de Poble Nou craft market (1st weekend of each month) and the Barcelona Port Craft Market most Saturdays and Sundays.
Huge Garden Centre and Stores with all sorts of activities, Charlies/Coed-y-Dinas was developed on a Victorian farm site, once the ‘Model Farm’ for Powis Castle.
In the Garden Centre you will find………………
* Quality Giftware, House-wares and Crafts
* Garden Furniture and Accessories
* Pets and Aquatics
* Outdoor Plant Area
* Food Hall
* Howards Restaurant
* Charlie Chuckles Indoor Play Area
In the Country Store you will find………………
* Animal Products
* Hand and Power Tools
* Garden Machinery and Accessories
* Equestrian
* Fencing
* Paving
* Garden Sheds
Spacious cafe for buggy and prams. High chairs available. Parent,disabled shared toilet, roomy and clean when visited.
This is my local Turkish restaurant and they serve the most amazing freshly flame cooked kebabs and traditional Turkish food. It's a family affair with plenty of space for big parties at the back and great for lunches, afternoon snacks and dinners. They have high chairs and are very friendly and willing to make your visit more comfortable. If they do not appear to have the facilities you need, ask, they will be happy to do what they can. The loo's are mixed sex so may not be suitable for breastfeeding but very clean and I think there is space for changing.
Paul is a relatively recent import from France that now has branches in serevral cities in Britain. The breads and cakes are fabulous.
This branch has a tiny seating area that is often busy so can be tricky to squeeze in with a buggy, but when we were there we saw one or two - at busier times it might be necessary to fold them though.
This is a place to stop for coffee and cake, or maybe a cup of tea and a quiche or sandwich. It's not the cheapest, but the quality is excellent. When we were there the staff were also very helpful.
No changing facilities at this branch although there are at the following: KINGS ROAD, WIMBLEDON, HOLLAND PARK
Couldn't help myself adding a picture to this listing.
I second the fabulous cake! The 'Blanc' in the Maison Blanc is Raymond, of 'Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons' fame, and it shows with the attention to detail.
They have a number of shops across the SE so we'll try to get some more listed on here.
I used to go here when I was at school in Tring, admittedly when I was 12 or so. If you have older kids going they would need to be pretty nerdy about museums as I was to enjoy it. I can imagine the little one's would appreciate it more.
Sadly there is no space for buggy parking at this historical arts venue but there is a great glass lift giving easy access to all the floors. Generally the exhibitions give enough space for pushchairs to be manoeuvred around. There are nappy changing facilities in both the mens and ladies loo's. The restaurant and cafe can warm bottles and there are plenty of cakes, cookies and fruit for the kids although not cheap. For the bigger kids there are activities to be picked up from the information desk and you can book in advance for the popular educational events. Although this is a grown up venue I think it caters well for the kids too.
Basic, cheap(ish) and cheerful restaurant serving MASSIVE pancakes with a real variety of toppings - they are served open so look like huge, very thin crust pizzas. It's basic but there is plenty of it and it's tasty. The starters are again very basic, particularly the presentation, but perfectly nice.
The access through the front door is narrow so a bit tricky with a buggy - however the staff were helpful and would be able to move tables and chairs if necessary, and a folded buggy can be stored in the bar area near the door.
The toilets are down some narrow stairs which is not ideal - however from Jan 2010 they will have an accessible one with changing facilities. There is a space downstairs to feed in private on request, although discreet breastfeeding is fine in the restaurant.
Good for groups.
They have several other branches around London.
Somerset house has a privileged location with The Strand on one side and the Thames on the other - when it's warm enough you can sit out on the terrace overlooking the river (although the road is in between!)
They have various temporary exhibitions so check the site: www.somersethouse.org.uk and in winter they have the famous outside all weather skating rink sponsored by Tiffany & Co. The skating rink has a special area for children where they can skate with an adult and special supports in the shape of penguins - very cute. In addition there are various activities for children and teenagers so again, check the site.
There are plenty of lifts between floors once you are in, but do check on a map or call ahead to check which entrances are accessible as some of them have steps.
There are changing facilities on the ground floor by the deli (in the disabled loo) but there is also a dedicated changing room with a sink, changing table and tissues next to the lockers (which are also handy!) on the LG (the Embankment entrance).
Unfortunately none of the cafes/restaurants provide high chairs, but the deli in particular has lots of space around the seating, and you can also take your teas etc through into the Seamen's Hall where there are comfy sofas and coffee tables.
Yum Cha Silks'n'Spice restaurant is just opposite the Stables Market on Chalk Farm Road.
The restaurant is small-ish but cosy and they also have a private dining room for groups.
The menu is extensive, with a wide range of Dim Sum plus an a la carte menu with rice and noodle dishes. There is a good range of vegetarian options.
The loos are downstairs although there is a disabled toilet on the groupd floor - didn't check if they had a changing mat in there though.
If you are planning to come with buggies it would be better to phone ahead and advise them so they can seat you in an appropriate area, as some of the tables are a bit squeezed.
The food was all excellent and the service was extremely attentive. Would definitely go again.
The array of cakes is fantastic, I only popped in for coffee with a pregnant friend but couldn't get passed the chocolate mouse (in a chocolate cup), it was delicious - as was the blueberry cheesecake. Not too expensive, either. Staff were ok but a little slow and the toilets were slightly smelly but if you're in the area perfect for a quick coffee-stop. Right near one end of Epping Forest too.
Despite being on the edge of the normally rather lairy Grassmarket they have a strict policy about not admitting drunk people or hen/stag parties, so the atmosphere remains casual but civilised.
Upstairs is a little cramped - or I could say 'cosy' as it's not uncomfortably so but you'd struggle to fiund buggy space.
The banquette tables downstairs would be best if you have small kids and/or a buggy, so probably best to mention when you book.
Changing table in ground floor unisex disabled toilet. Highchairs available - those ones that hook onto the table - and they have a childrens menu. Can warm bottles on request.
Prices are reasonable particularly given the quality of the food, although of course you can rack up the price by going for the oysters, fillet steak and top-end wine!
Not cheap at £17 per adult, £9.50 per child or a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £47. Still, interesting and well presented exhibitions including the famous Crown Jewels. This exhibiion gets really busy so not great for buggies. The rest of the facilities have obviously been considered for family groups. Kids love the stories about the Beefeaters and Ravens.
Fantastic if occasionally over-fancy food. Not cheap,but great surroundings - the pub is done out like the bar of a country-house hotel. There is a 'drinkers only' area too.
You can choose to eat in the restaurant or the less formal bar area. Brookmans is light and airy.
They will heat bottles on request and there is a changing table in the unisex disabled loo.
There is a garden out the back - great in summer. When we were there we saw a number of families with kids of all ages (including a breastfeeding baby) but the environment was still 'grown-up'.
I love Belgos, but that's because I love mussles & frites. And just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to miss out. Belgos is very child friendly. There's a seperate end to the restaurant where they tend to put families and those with children. There's a special kids menu, which comes with craysons and doubles as an activity sheet. Best of all, kids under 12 eat for free (usually £4.99) is adults are eating a main course which isn't on an offer (like beat the clock or the express menu). There's even a lift to take you down to the restaurant. Great 'parent friendly' place to eat nice food and drink nice Belgian beer :o)
The tour is worth doing if you're a true cricket fan but it's qutie long and for anyone that isn't into their cricket it might border on the boring (but still interesting!).
This is a great place to take kids of all ages, there's so much for them to do there and they usuall have tons of free stuff going on once you're inside. You can take a packed lunch or the restaurant has lots of kids options, they even sell baby food and last time we went they had heating facilities for bottles (don't know if it's still there though). It's a great day out and worth checking th website to see what's on for kids on the day you go. I've taken my nephews several times, when they were tiny, when they were toddlers and even now, when they're bigger and they both love it.
Great place to take kids of all ages, for the older ones there's sky sports on the TV (assuming they like sports, that is!) for the younger ones there's lots to see and it's quite a fun atmosphere. The food's really nice (especially the steak!) and the staff are very attentive. It gets really busy though, so it may involve a wait for a table. Plus points are a great range of non-alcoholic cocktails, lush afters and a dedicated, seperate room to change babies in.
This is a great place to take kids, it's a shame you have to walk through the shop to get to the cafe (sneeky!) but the cafe itself is full of animated animals and 'thunderstorms' every now and then. They have a good menu and the food's nice, but it's not cheap. Kids get an activity pack when they arrive. It's a good place to go to keep kids quiet for an hour or so while you're in town but it's generally really busy in there - so don't expect a relaxing lunch!
Plenty of space for children to run and play safely without commercial pressures to buy "things"
West Lodge Park is a country hotel set in beautiful grounds of The Beale Arboretum, comprising 800 different species of trees from around the world. Hotel guests can visit the grounds at any time and the Arboretum is open to the public every afternoons 2 - 5 pm (admission £2.50).
The Mary Beale restaurant (named after Britain's first professional woman painter) is light and airy with soft seating. The food in the bar ranges from sandwiches to more substantial bar meals such as sausage and mash, and there is also a full restaurant menu. They actively try and source locally - see here for more details:
www.bealeshotels.co.uk/westlodgepark/restaurant
There were several families with well behaved children when we were there - this is definitely not somewhere to have children running amok - and the access to the restaurant was fairly biggy friendly with only three small steps to navigate. There are changing facilities and also the toilets have lockable hooks if you want to leave your buggy or baby-bag somewhere while you eat.
A nice place to go for a walk / allow the kids to run around and then have a civilised meal or snack afterwards.
West Lodge Park is a country hotel set in beautiful grounds of The Beale Arboretum, comprising 800 different species of trees from around the world. Hotel guests can visit the grounds at any time and the Arboretum is open to the public every afternoons 2 - 5 pm (admission £2.50).
The Mary Beale restaurant (named after Britain's first professional woman painter) is light and airy with soft seating. The food in the bar ranges from sandwiches to more substantial bar meals such as sausage and mash, and there is also a full restaurant menu. They actively try and source locally - see here for more details:
www.bealeshotels.co.uk/westlodgepark/restaurant
There were several families with well behaved children when we were there - this is definitely not somewhere to have children running amok - and the access to the restaurant was fairly biggy friendly with only three small steps to navigate. There are changing facilities and also the toilets have lockable hooks if you want to leave your buggy or baby-bag somewhere while you eat.
A nice place to go for a walk / allow the kids to run around and then have a civilised meal or snack afterwards.
Cafe Mezza serves a mixture of Lebanese and Italian food ( meze etc plus pizzas), a good range of soft drinks plus a basic list of alcoholic drinks. The food is all apparently great, and the preparation is all done in an open kitchen which is always a good sign.
They have obviously tried hard with the decor to make this feel like 'a restaurant' and not just 'a kebab house', however somehow it still manages to feel like a fast-food joint. Partly this is to do with the level of cleanliness - the floors were dirty and tables left uncleared, and the toilets were a bit grubby, as if someone had wiped a mop/cloth around without actually cleaning anything. The people eating their food out of paper instead of off plates didn't exactly help to banish the 'fast food' image either!
When we went there were several families with kids of various ages who seemed to run around happily - this is presumably great fun for the kids but probably not very safe as the staff are in and out of the kitchen area with hot food and drinks. There was space for buggies in the seating area by the window, and also presumably at the back, although you'd have to navigate the narrow seating area alongside the kitchen which could be inconvenient.
They really let themselves down on only having baby changing in the women's toilets and also by the children's menu; with all the yummy and healthy lebanese food on the menu, and meze which are perfect for kids to pick at, the childrens menu was basically chicken nuggets and chips. Yuck.
Som Naturals (We are Natural) is a small-scale craft textile firm established by Jordi Cugat and Dora Garriga. Having spent much of their lives working in the field of leather goods and collectables, they decided to employ their knowledge in creating an original product line: exclusive 100% natural cotton and jute clothing for children.
They divide their time between their workshop and their involvement at craft fairs in Catalonia and elsewhere in Spain, where they have won a number of awards thanks to the painstaking approach they take both to our stalls and to they garments.
As well as their workshop (address above) they can be found at the Rambla de Poble Nou craft market (1st weekend of each month) and the Barcelona Port Craft Market most Saturdays and Sundays.
Find out more: www.somnaturals.com
Huge Garden Centre and Stores with all sorts of activities, Charlies/Coed-y-Dinas was developed on a Victorian farm site, once the ‘Model Farm’ for Powis Castle.
In the Garden Centre you will find………………
* Quality Giftware, House-wares and Crafts
* Garden Furniture and Accessories
* Pets and Aquatics
* Outdoor Plant Area
* Food Hall
* Howards Restaurant
* Charlie Chuckles Indoor Play Area
In the Country Store you will find………………
* Animal Products
* Hand and Power Tools
* Garden Machinery and Accessories
* Equestrian
* Fencing
* Paving
* Garden Sheds
Spacious cafe for buggy and prams. High chairs available. Parent,disabled shared toilet, roomy and clean when visited.
This is my local Turkish restaurant and they serve the most amazing freshly flame cooked kebabs and traditional Turkish food. It's a family affair with plenty of space for big parties at the back and great for lunches, afternoon snacks and dinners. They have high chairs and are very friendly and willing to make your visit more comfortable. If they do not appear to have the facilities you need, ask, they will be happy to do what they can. The loo's are mixed sex so may not be suitable for breastfeeding but very clean and I think there is space for changing.
Paul is a relatively recent import from France that now has branches in serevral cities in Britain. The breads and cakes are fabulous.
This branch has a tiny seating area that is often busy so can be tricky to squeeze in with a buggy, but when we were there we saw one or two - at busier times it might be necessary to fold them though.
This is a place to stop for coffee and cake, or maybe a cup of tea and a quiche or sandwich. It's not the cheapest, but the quality is excellent. When we were there the staff were also very helpful.
No changing facilities at this branch although there are at the following: KINGS ROAD, WIMBLEDON, HOLLAND PARK
Couldn't help myself adding a picture to this listing.
I second the fabulous cake! The 'Blanc' in the Maison Blanc is Raymond, of 'Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons' fame, and it shows with the attention to detail.
They have a number of shops across the SE so we'll try to get some more listed on here.
In the meantime check: www.maisonblanc.co.uk/cakes/stores/
Lovely cake shop with space for buggies. Breastfeeding friendly. Fantastic cake too :)
I used to go here when I was at school in Tring, admittedly when I was 12 or so. If you have older kids going they would need to be pretty nerdy about museums as I was to enjoy it. I can imagine the little one's would appreciate it more.
Sadly there is no space for buggy parking at this historical arts venue but there is a great glass lift giving easy access to all the floors. Generally the exhibitions give enough space for pushchairs to be manoeuvred around. There are nappy changing facilities in both the mens and ladies loo's. The restaurant and cafe can warm bottles and there are plenty of cakes, cookies and fruit for the kids although not cheap. For the bigger kids there are activities to be picked up from the information desk and you can book in advance for the popular educational events. Although this is a grown up venue I think it caters well for the kids too.
Basic, cheap(ish) and cheerful restaurant serving MASSIVE pancakes with a real variety of toppings - they are served open so look like huge, very thin crust pizzas. It's basic but there is plenty of it and it's tasty. The starters are again very basic, particularly the presentation, but perfectly nice.
The access through the front door is narrow so a bit tricky with a buggy - however the staff were helpful and would be able to move tables and chairs if necessary, and a folded buggy can be stored in the bar area near the door.
The toilets are down some narrow stairs which is not ideal - however from Jan 2010 they will have an accessible one with changing facilities. There is a space downstairs to feed in private on request, although discreet breastfeeding is fine in the restaurant.
Good for groups.
They have several other branches around London.
Somerset house has a privileged location with The Strand on one side and the Thames on the other - when it's warm enough you can sit out on the terrace overlooking the river (although the road is in between!)
They have various temporary exhibitions so check the site: www.somersethouse.org.uk and in winter they have the famous outside all weather skating rink sponsored by Tiffany & Co. The skating rink has a special area for children where they can skate with an adult and special supports in the shape of penguins - very cute. In addition there are various activities for children and teenagers so again, check the site.
There are plenty of lifts between floors once you are in, but do check on a map or call ahead to check which entrances are accessible as some of them have steps.
There are changing facilities on the ground floor by the deli (in the disabled loo) but there is also a dedicated changing room with a sink, changing table and tissues next to the lockers (which are also handy!) on the LG (the Embankment entrance).
Unfortunately none of the cafes/restaurants provide high chairs, but the deli in particular has lots of space around the seating, and you can also take your teas etc through into the Seamen's Hall where there are comfy sofas and coffee tables.
Yum Cha Silks'n'Spice restaurant is just opposite the Stables Market on Chalk Farm Road.
The restaurant is small-ish but cosy and they also have a private dining room for groups.
The menu is extensive, with a wide range of Dim Sum plus an a la carte menu with rice and noodle dishes. There is a good range of vegetarian options.
The loos are downstairs although there is a disabled toilet on the groupd floor - didn't check if they had a changing mat in there though.
If you are planning to come with buggies it would be better to phone ahead and advise them so they can seat you in an appropriate area, as some of the tables are a bit squeezed.
The food was all excellent and the service was extremely attentive. Would definitely go again.