Child-friendly restaurants with outdoor spaces in London
Child-friendly London restaurants with an added bonus: outside seating and gardens to explore for urban kids who love their green spaces (and their green veggies).
Best for delighting all of the senses: Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
A sophisticated setting, fragrant blooms and a delicious, veggie-heavy menu, Petersham Nurseries never fails to delight, especially considering you can have a such an exquisite, grown-up meal without feeling stressed you've got a toddler in tow (customers walking through for the garden centre helps to give it a relaxed feel). Finish lunch off with a play in Richmond Park - you may also come home with a new plant. Or five.
Read more ...Best for pizza and river views: Crate Brewery & Pizzeria
Ideal for fans of stone-baked pizzas in exciting flavours (Sage and Truffle, Middle Eastern Lamb, Kashmiri Dahl - but don't worry, there's Margherita for the kiddos) and atmospheric views of the River Lea, customers can enjoy canal-side seating at Crate. The recycled decor gives it a creative vibe that's hip-yet-relaxed for families, while a frequently changing selection of craft beers keeps tired parents happy, too. If your kid seems fascinated by the river, be sure to take them around the delightful (and free) Secret Rivers exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands.
Read more ...Best for seasonal British fare you can enjoy under the pergola: Pomona's Restaurant and Bar
An inviting outside space and modern British fare from star chef Ruth Hansom ensure Pomona's is a firm favourite with families. Dine al fresco in the summer garden from 9am daily - the all-day brunch is a popular option and your kids will love the eggy bread, pancakes and smoothie selection. Meanwhile, you'll be munching on Clarence Court eggs with chorizo and kale (baked inside squash), possibly even managing to sneak a peek at the Sunday papers.
Best for a posh pre-theatre meal outdoors: Ham Yard Hotel
Hearty local fare - steak, Dover sole, Cornish lamb - meets delightful, secluded outdoor dining at this Kit Kemp decorated central London hotel. Families will also be enticed by the theatre and arts packages available: book in for the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition and enjoy a three-course lunch afterwards, or go see Everybody's Talking About Jamie after a two-course dinner al fresco.
Read more ...Best for tasty pub grub in a secret garden: The Avalon
This gastro-pub between Clapham South and Balham has not one, not two, but three fabulous outdoor areas that kids will enjoy more than soft play. The rear garden is massive, offering plenty of space for curious kids to explore and play, with cosy wooden booths and giant cushions to flop on. The variety of options food-wise will impress even the pickiest of eaters: in addition to the kids' menu, there's a BBQ menu, a pizza menu and a Sunday roast menu.
Read more ...Best for healthy fare and people spotting: 26 Grains
In our quest to get our children to eat healthfully, we'll try anything. 26 Grains' porridge is far more delicious than ours, and comes in a variety of exciting flavour combos like Nordic pear or banana, tahini and cacao. You can also order salads and sandwiches. There are only a few outdoor seats, but sleep-deprived parents with young kids know getting a seat is never an issue: you'll be first in the queue during the summer hols when the cafe opens at 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Read more ...Best for hands-on workshops and local fare: Global Generation's Skip Garden Kitchen
Whether you're checking out the shopping at Coal Drops Yard or going for a splash in the Granary Square fountain, King's Cross is your go-to spot for a casual, kid-friendly outdoor meal. In addition to serving delicious local fare like salads, juices and sandwiches (made from ingredients grown on site), at the Skip Garden Cafe, kids can take part in hands-on workshops, learning about worm composting or roasting marshmallows over the fire.
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