Eating out in London

[lizwizz]

Can anyone recommend some reasonably inexpensive places to eat in London where children are welcome. We are spending a few days in the capital and wish to avoid the big chain places, preferring smaller, privately owned places. We also wish to keep the costs down as much as possible. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Buenchico]

If you're spending a few days in London, with children, the first thing you should do is to head for anydecent bookshop and buy a copy of 'Time Out: London for Children'. It'll cost you under a tenner and will provide tremendous help in planning your journey. In particular, it's got about 20 very detailed pages of reviews of eating places suitable for families.

You've not stated how old your youngsters are or indicated the type of places which you like (burgers? italian? traditional english?) so it's difficult to give specific suggestions but here's a couple for you:

If you and/or your partner like Belgian beer, then the Belgian tavern 'Belgo Centraal', on Earlham Street might be the place for you. My (2003) edition of the Time Out guide quotes �5.95 for the set lunch (1 course) and �4.95 for the children's menu:
http://www.belgo-restaurants.com/

Cafe Emm, on Frith Street, gets a good 'child-friendly' write-up. 2003 prices (for adults) were quoted as �5.95 to �8.95. The staff are happy to serve smaller portions or divide portions between plates.

If your children are at the age where they can enjoy a more adult (but still reasonably child-friendly) environment, then I'll suggest my own value-for-money favourite (not from the Time Out guide) around Covent Garden, Bistro 1:
http://www.coventgarden.uk.com/RRbistro1.html

If none of these appeal, and if other ABers can't come up with anything you like the sound of, all you need to do to find loads of cheap cafes and restaurants, is to browse around the side streets near Covent Garden (especially to the east of the Piazza).

Chris

[lizwizz]

Thanks, that gives me plenty to go on. The children are 8 and 10, we want to avoid the big burger places and are really looking for decent home style cooking type places. Thanks Chris.

[sense4all]

check out toptable.co.uk

[dondieclem]

rain forest cafe is good