London boasts plenty of excellent kid-friendly options when it comes to eating out. Whether you’ve got a fussy toddler, an awkward pre-teen, or something in between, eating out with kids in tow can be a minefield. Throw in other diners, waiting for staff, and an unfamiliar atmosphere for distraction, and sometimes the food doesn’t even get a look-in.
But eating out is an important skill to be learned; why not practice somewhere where at least the worry of cost has been taken care of? Here’s a list of top places where kids can eat for free in London, making the whole experience even sweeter.
York & Albany
Nestled between Regent’s Park and Camden Town, Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany restaurant is a must-visit for any foodie. The former 1820s coaching inn makes for the perfect cozy restaurant setting for the whole family. Kids under 12 can eat free from Tilly’s Treats menu, which includes pasta and meatballs, fish and chips, and chocolate brownies for pud. Kids eat free at other Gordon Ramsay restaurants like Bread Street Kitchen and London House.
Hix Group
The posh London restaurants belonging to celebrity chef Mark Hix might not spring to mind when planning a meal out with little. But Mark’s very pro-kids and has campaigned for better menus for children in the past. Kids under ten can eat for free at Hix Soho, trendy Tramshed in Shoreditch, and also at Hixter Bankside. All children must order off the kids’ menu, be accompanied by a dining adult, and order between 4 pm-6 pm Monday to Friday or noon-6 pm at the weekend.
Camino Bankside
Just a short walk from Southbank and the Tate Modern, a visit to Camino Bankside feels like a short trip to Spain itself. Grown-ups can check out the impressive jamón counter, where top quality Ibérico ham is carved to order. Little ones can eat for free from Camino’s classic or vegetarian children’s menus. They’ll love the Ibérico meatballs and traditional Spanish tortillas.
Rivington
Greenwich is in any London parent’s trick deck: there’s the river, an expansive park, the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark. And now there’s another reason to stop by on a weekday, as Rivington restaurant serves up a gratis children’s menu filled with mini schnitzels and spaghetti Monday-Friday. Usual rules apply — ‘child’ means under 12, and they must be with an adult ordering off the main menu — however, they allow two children to enjoy the deal per paying adult, which is unusually generous.
Sea Containers
Whether your kids are fussy eaters or food connoisseurs, at Sea Containers they are bound to find a dish that’ll tickle their fancy. Choose from hummus and crushed avocado with flatbread, mac & cheese, or a mini cheeseburger. Best of all, your little ones can fill their bellies for free from 12 pm to 4 pm every weekend.
Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar
It’s worth checking out Gillray’s during your next school holiday saunter down South Bank, as this Thames-side steakhouse often runs kids eat free offers during half-term and summer breaks. In the past, the offer has been for under 12s when accompanied by two paying adults, but do double-check before you go. Top tip: try to book a window seat for fantastic views of the river to accompany your sumptuous Aberdeen Angus steaks, sourced from English farms.
Barbican Kitchen
Barbican Kitchen is a family-friendly restaurant situated on the ground floor of the Barbican Centre, and a family trip combining the arts and yummy food is a win-win combination in our eyes. Kids under 12 eat free with an adult ordering a main meal and can choose from mini steak burgers and fish bites with smashed peas. Why not let your little ones check out how real pizza dough is made in the kitchen? The chefs here are super friendly!
Tom’s Kitchen, Canary Wharf
Whether you’re spending a weekend at Canary Wharf for the shopping, cinema, or Museum of London Docklands, your little’s can enjoy breakfast or brunch at Tom’s Kitchen for free. Up to four kids (aged under 10), each with a dining adult, can eat from a kids’ menu for naught pence per booking between 9.30-11 am every Saturday and Sunday, which strikes us as a great incentive to get down to Canary Wharf next weekend.
Bodean’s BBQ
Love a good barbecue? Then head to Bodean’s, which brings the taste, style, and soul of Kansas City barbecue to the British capital. At their Soho restaurant, one child eats free with each adult ordering a main from 12-3 pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. Just watch out for sticky fingers after they’ve got stuck into the ribs and chicken wings! If your kids get bored in a restaurant setting, fear not – there are plenty of coloring supplies to keep them entertained.
Real Greek
We have always known that our European neighbors were great at treating kids the right way, and with free kids’ meals on Sundays, The Real Greek is no exception. Round up the family, share some delicious meze dishes, and feel like you’re in sunny Greece for a little while.
Life in London is fun but also very expensive – especially when it comes to treating the family. So, we have introduced some restaurants where kids can eat for free in London, and you can enjoy sensational dishes.
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