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
oers 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.