82 � squaremeal.co.uk

PHOTOS: LAURIE FLETCHER

THE ROSEBERY LOUNGE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Distractions are a godsend when eating out, and the Mandarin

Oriental's afternoon tea space offers a view of open-top buses and

shoppers at Harvey Nichols, which will buy you a few moments'

peace. You'll have access to the stylish iCandy MiChair, while

sandwiches are cut into crust-free, child-pleasing shapes and the

clotted cream is served in dinky tubes - an ingenious touch that

will make you appreciate the iCandy MiChair's wipe-clean surfaces.

GRAIN STORE, KING'S CROSS

With its squirting Granary Square fountains, LED light

tunnel and birdcage swing, this area of King's Cross is like a

big playground. �e veg-focused Grain Store boasts a bustling,

industrial interior, and while some of chef Bruno Loubet's menu

may challenge younger palates, the brunch offering has some safe

bets, including American pancakes with fruit on the side.

BAR BOULUD, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

�e vibe at Daniel Boulud's brasserie may be executive and chic

but staff are very accommodating and the Sunday Brunch menu is

a particularly good bet, packing a shareable Croque Monsieur and

perfect pommes frites. �e real plus for dads on kid duty, though,

is the baby-changing space for men - clean, modern and roomy

enough to wheel an iCandy Raspberry into.

THE ELECTRIC DINER, NOTTING HILL

�is is a classic diner with a seriously luxe twist and a relaxed

atmosphere that can turn the loudest tantrum into a non-issue.

�e kids' menu - featuring cheeseburger and chips, flat-iron

chicken, veggie taglioni and a complimentary ice cream - is bound

to please. Finish with salted peanut-butter crunchies and a pint

of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (just for you, that last one).

FRANCO MANCA, COVENT GARDEN

�is branch of the unbeatable sourdough pizzeria chain gets extra

points for its proximity to the toddler Mecca that is the London

Transport Museum. Food comes out fast and prices are reasonable.

DAD DOES THE DISHES

From high tea and cheeseburgers to trampolines and a pickled cow, one helpful dad

oˆers his expert advice on kid-friendly places to eat in London WORDS JIMI FAMUREWA

T

utting fellow diners, food going cold, moments of

tearful delirium (for you and them) - eating out with

young children can be a stressful experience, sending

even the most committed culinary crusader scurrying

home for the safe bet of a box of fish fingers. Happily, change

is afoot. �e capital's dining spots - ranging from storied tea

lounges to hip pizzerias - are deploying ever more innovative

ways to welcome families. Armed with iCandy's lightweight

Raspberry pushchair, I took my discerning 3-year-old

gourmand to road test some of the best eateries.