As every parent knows, exploring the capital as a family requires a little pre-planning, so when it’s time to dine, your little ones are just as happy with your choice as you are. At Jumeirah, we’re always delighted to welcome families and to recommend places to dine. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly restaurants in London.
Set in the heart of Theatreland, contemporary British restaurant Tredwells is ideal for a break from sightseeing or a pre- or post-theatre meal. When it comes to catering for kids, it offers a sophisticated proposition in addition to a varied Junior Menu: The Culinary Kids Menu. A treat for budding gastronomes, it comprises seven small courses for little guests who want to try the best of everything. The cherry on the cake, so to speak, is the chance to top their own soft-serve ice cream, as well as take home souvenir recipe cards.
With three locations, Chin Chin Labs offer a very different kind of theatre, namely, hand-churned ice cream made with nitrogen. You’ll notice the resulting white clouds before you enter; inside, children will love the mad scientist-style décor, with test tubes, cylinders, beakers and bulbs. Choose a classic – Pondicherry Vanilla or Valrhona Chocolate – or seasonal flavour, and watch as staff pour liquid nitrogen onto cream for a showy spectacle. Toppings are no less creative, with popping candy, fizzing powder and candied pretzels making the list – suffice to say, it’s a sweet treat they won’t forget.
Located in Soho, Covent Garden and Camden, Inamo blends Michelin-recognised Asian cuisine with a range of futuristic gimmicks children (and parents) will find fascinating. Order by tapping on your table, and whilst you wait, enjoy interactive group games, tune into the live ‘Chef-cam’ or even turn your tabletop into a virtual canvas for the whole family to doodle on. The table-top-tech doesn’t eclipse the food, though. Dishes including succulent sushi and tasty Asian tapas are expertly-crafted or cooked on a robata grill and packed with flavour.
With venues in Holborn, both Westfields and hipster’s paradise Brick Lane, All Star Lanes is an easy option, with comfort food kids won’t argue against — think tasty American sharers, indulgent brunches and burger-n-mac mains. It’s the bowling aspect that’s the real draw, though. Make eating an outing by renting a lane and pulling on vintage bowling shoes for a game of down-the-pins before or after your meal.
Despite its worryingly white tablecloths, Royal Warrant Holders Fortnum & Mason’s elegant Piccadilly tea salon is a wonderfully child-friendly destination. Indulge in an afternoon tea together thanks to their Children’s Afternoon Tea Menu, featuring a pared-down version of the classic culinary favourites. Kids will love getting the royal treatment whilst digging into a range of tiered treats, including finger sandwiches, scones and tea cakes, all washed down with hot chocolate, milk or fruit juice.
Treat yourself to a weekend brunch or a la carte lunch at Big Easy, one of London’s most popular American-style diners. Whilst adults tuck into barbecue classics and succulent lobster, little guests can enjoy extra-small racks of baby back ribs, ¼lb burgers and macaroni cheese, washed down with milkshakes or Shirley Temples. With three locations, including the King’s Road, and a chatty, casual atmosphere, Big Easy does what it says on the tin: hearty and hassle-free food for guests of all ages.
Comprising a buzzing, modern interior and snug, heated terrace with views over Lowndes Square, our Michelin-recommended restaurant at Jumeirah Lowndes is ideal for families. Enjoy a warm welcome at this casual, friendly eatery, be it for a convivial breakfast, hearty lunch or delicious dinner. As parents browse our varied all-day dining menu, our children’s menu offers classic dishes such as breaded sole fingers with tartare sauce, tasty sandwiches and pizza, followed by a scoop of ice cream in the flavour of their choice.
Discover London’s countless restaurants and cafés together during your next family break at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah (opening December 2020), Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living or Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel. Alternatively, dine in with us and enjoy our own blend of family-friendly service, elegant décor and inimitable views.