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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 oered 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 coee they source, the food they serve

and the vibe they create, those oering 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

su‘ciently 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 coee 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