London is brimming with activities and sites to keep all the family happy. So we’ve picked a few of our favourite family friendly pubs in the Capital where all the family can relax and spend some quality family time together.
There’s seldom a simpler decision to make than what to do on rainy, and plan-free weekend afternoon. However, when you throw children into the mix, even the simplest of tasks can become a gargantuan undertaking, requiring military precision and royal-ballet levels of coordination. Strapping babies into prams, harnessing toddlers with child-reigns and coercing pre-teens into some quality mum and dad time is never going to be easy, but finding a good, welcoming pub that won’t snarl and turn you away at the door can be.
So we’ve hand picked a few of our favourites that promise a warm and friendly atmosphere, good food and entertainment and activities for the younger family members.
The Regent
Located close to the tube for easy access, cosy and warm, with loads of buggy-parking space, and enough room that your enthusiastic little ones won’t be bothering anyone, The Regent is a great place to grab a (reasonably priced) bite to eat and to have a few drinks.
For more information please see www.theregentbalham.co.uk
The Clissold Arms
From the moment you walk through the door, you can tell from the pub’s ambience that family and community are really important to The Clissold arms. It’s laid back and kids are always welcome; there’s even a bouncy castle in their large garden on sunny days. There’s a children’s menu full of the classics kids love, and a wide selection of drinks at the bar, for the deserving adults.
For more information please see www.clissoldarms.co.uk
The Lords Tavern
A must visit for cricket fans. The Lord’s Tavern is spacious and relaxed, with a great pub grub menu and a wide selection of beers. The Lord’s Tavern is a great place to take the whole family for a lovely, relaxed lunch in friendly surroundings.
For more information please see www.lords.org/lords/things-to-do/lords-tavern
Beaufort House
Beaufort House offers a brilliant baby cinema event on the first Wednesday of every month, where you can meet up with other mums, dads and babies for lunch and a film for under £10. There’s tonnes of buggy space, padded flooring for the little ones, and of course, a delicious menu to choose from. Beaufort House also has an everyday children’s menu with colouring and activities, to keep the little ones busy while you enjoy a coffee and chat with friends.
For more information please see www.beauforthousechelsea.co.uk
Cantina Del Ponte
Cantina Del Ponte manages to be child-friendly whilst still serving wonderful Italian food and wine. Kids love the riverside location and welcoming atmosphere, whilst parents are kept happy by the high quality kids food- not a turkey twizzler in sight.
For more information please see www.cantinadelponte.co.uk
The Highbury Barn
The Highbury Barn is massive, airy and friendly. Children can play in the square outside, the staff are incredibly welcoming and all the food is home-made and utterly delicious. A great pub for to enjoy a glass of Pimm’s with friends in the sun whilst watching the kids play in the square.
For more information please see www.thehighburybarnpub.co.uk
The White Hart
The White Hart has a huge, clean and walled beer garden where children and dogs are very welcome. The music is cool, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is good, wholesome and pubby. The clientele are mostly young families and couples, so no one will raise an eyebrow if someone has a tantrum, which is always a bonus…
For more information please see www.whitehartstokenewington.com
The Vanbrugh Tavern
The Vanbrugh Tavern is as warm and welcoming as your own home. It has a lovely big garden with a Marquee which is perfect for children, comfy seats inside, and does a great Sunday roast. It welcomes groups too, so you can bring the whole team. The Vanbrugh also runs a selection of events, including a ‘mums and babies’ meet up, where you can meet like-minded mothers for a chat and a coffee.
For more information please see www.thevanbrughtavern.co.uk
And if you fancy a dip in a pool this summer have a look at our top 10 London hotels with pools