Turning tips into memories

Child-friendly restaurants with outdoor spaces in London

By Jen Barton Packer on 12/8/2019

London is a foodie capital of the world. Happily, it's also a capital designed to feed tots. There are restaurants all over the city that offer child-friendly menus and even free food for under-12s. For parents into the food hall scene, there's even childcare on offer: Market Halls Victoria and Fulham have partnered with The Kids' Table so parents can eat and relax while the kids do crafts and get their faces painted. In the sunny months, we all want to be outdoors - we've rounded up our favourite options for kiddie-friendly dining al fresco.

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.

WHERE

Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB

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.

WHERE

Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5EN

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.

WHERE

47 Hereford Rd, London, W2 5AH

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.

WHERE

1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT

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.

WHERE

16 Balham Hill, Clapham South, London, SW12 9EB

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.

WHERE

1 Neal's Yard, London, WC2H 9DP

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.

WHERE

Tapper Walk, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4AQ