Eating out in London West End (with kids) suggestions?

[matt uk]

Hi all,

Looking for some suggestions for a meal in the West End with young kids.

Obviously, the quality of food needs to be good, but this is not 5 star dining. Places like GBK are fine but being a birthday I'd like something a bit more special and a place they will find amusing / entertaining.

I googled the Rainforest Cafe place on Shaftesbury Ave.

Any other suggestions?

[gazm]

Theres not much choice in the west end when it comes to Kids and eating. Rain forest cafe is your best bet but make sure you book its always busy.

Edited by gazm on Thursday 13th November 14:00

[Hoppy2008]

gazm said:

Theres not much choice in the west end when it comes to Kids and eating. Rain forest cafe is your best bet but make sure you book its always busy.

Edited by gazm on Thursday 13th November 14:00

+1 for the Rainforest Cafe.

[HRG]

Planet Hollywood? (Not for the food but the kids might enjoy it)

[youngsyr]

Giraffe is quite good. There's one in Kensington I believe.

[nogginthenog]

Belgos Centraal in Covent Garden do a free 2 kids meals for every adult, and the kids menu is pretty good. When I took Noggin Jnr during his afternoon nap once, they still honored the deal, but wrapped his lunch up in foil for him to eat later!

I went to Belgos last Saturday night ( not with young Noggin though ) and had a really nice plate of Moules & Frites, and all 5 of our party were more than happy with our meals.

It's in a basement though, and not much room for the kids to run around if you are after that kind of place?

[richyb]

I'd take them to china town. Lots to look at and its good fun to have a walk round before/after. Won't cost a lot and its really easy to get to. Add a rikshaw ride and the kids will love it.

[deckster]

Hoppy2008 said:

gazm said:

Theres not much choice in the west end when it comes to Kids and eating. Rain forest cafe is your best bet but make sure you book its always busy.

+1 for the Rainforest Cafe.

???

Crap food, massively overpriced, non-existent service and we're supposed to love it because it has a few stuffed toys about the place? I'd rather go to Pizza Hut.

How limited are you to the West End? If you have the time I'd take the kids out to lunch at the Science Museum, the food is actually not too terrible and the kids will love the rest of it.

Edited by deckster on Thursday 13th November 14:13

[XMES RUS]

Try this, its on the strand

http://www.smollenskys.com/restaurant/thestrand/ch...

Edited by XMES RUS on Thursday 13th November 14:15

[Percy Flage]

richyb said:

I'd take them to china town. Lots to look at and its good fun to have a walk round before/after. Won't cost a lot and its really easy to get to. Add a rikshaw ride and the kids will love it.

+1

[nogginthenog]

there are quite a few Carluccios around the west-end as well. Market Place is my favourite :

http://www.carluccios.com/caffes/default.asp?func=...

They all do a good childrens menu ( that includes ice-cream for dessert that I can steal of the boy! )




I'm all for avoiding anywhere specifically 'kiddy' themed as it seems like an excuse to serve crap at top prices.

[loafer123]

My kids love Yo Sushi.

They do hot stuff, so it's not just raw fish, there's lots to look at, and you can eat from the moment you sit down...

Depends how old they are, I suppose.

[matt uk]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have to admit, I temd to avoid 'themed' places for the fact that it seems to be an excuse for rubbish food and lousy service..

Not adverse to hopping in a cab, but I'd rather stay in the west End area as I'm taking them on the Duck Tours DUKWs, bite to eat and then a stroll to see the lights and Hamleys

Smollenskys is a good call, but they are booked up.

I'm leaning more and more towards the authenticity of China Town and a rickshaw ride - good idea that!

[john_p]

Benihanas off Piccadilly ?

I know, it's not 1980 any more but if you get a good chef who puts on a show the kids will love it

[jazzybee]

My wife and kids love Bodeans. There are quite a few around town - and they do some good kids deals. They eat free at lunch time, including Sat and Sun.

[BermyAndy]

ping pong?

[hamishg]

I tried finding a suitable venue for an 8th birthday party in the West End a few weeks ago and there is surprisingly little choice. RainForest Cafe, TGIs, Hard Rock Cafe and another small cafe at the top of Hamleys. Pretty much it I'm afraid.