76 | squaremeal.co.uk
bars � drink
B
efore I had my son, I spent three years reviewing
the capital's best (and worst) restaurants for Square
Meal, so I have fairly formidable standards. Many
things in my life may have changed since then - but
appreciating decent places to eat isn't one of them.
Cafés aimed at parents once oered little more than
wipe-clean surfaces, a high chair and some sort of changing
facilities. But with London's cafés in general paying more
attention to the coee they source, the food they serve
and the vibe they create, those oering a child-friendly dining
experience have also upped their game. The result? A host of
gorgeous cafés that place children at the centre of things, but
not at the expense of adults. Here are 10 of my favourites…
When it comes to daytime eating, London's parents have more options than ever. One
mum and her son take a tour of the best baby-friendly cafés in the capital
mum'sTHE WORD
The Disney Café by Harrods,
Knightsbridge
4th �oor, Harrods, Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Go here if… you're with children of di
erent ages
A sea of Mickey Mouse-shaped chairs surrounded by princess murals
doesn't scream 'adult-friendly', but there's so much here to entertain
children - from menus that double as puzzle books to Disney movies
on a loop - that parents can go guiltlessly o duty. The grown-ups'
menu features crêpes and cream teas, while children's dishes are
suciently upmarket for the jet set.
Finsbury Park Cafe
Hornsey Gate, Endymion Road, N4 2NQ
Go here if… you want to get the weekend o
to a �ying start
This independent café is situated right next to a brilliant children's
play area, so it would be rude not to pop in for a Union coee or
one of its legendary fry-ups made with top-notch ingredients (some
locally sourced). Tables are generously spaced to allow room for my
iCandy buggy, while the oor-to-ceiling windows make this spot a
lovely vantage point for surveying the park life.
WORDS NICKY EVANS
PHOTOS OF NICKY � OSCAR: LYDIA EVANS