“Mum, I’m hungry...”

Once you've made your choice of Christmas show, don't be put off by the location. You might find yourself in an unfamiliar part of town, so use it as an opportunity to explore. Most importantly, with a group of peckish kids, you need to be prepared and organised re. food before or after the show.

To give you an alternative to the ubiquitous chains, we have got the low down from
local mums on which restaurants and cafés are the ones worth seeking out. And, if you
are in the West End, we love a bit of nostalgia. From ice creams at Fortnums to tea
at the Ritz, burgers at Joe Allen to the best dim sum in Chinatown.


NORTH
Round House (Camden)
Marine Ices 8 Haverstock Hill, NW3
2 020 7482 9000
Almost opposite the Round House “Completely wonderful, been there for ever, our childhood treat, pizza and pasta plus the best ice cream in town.”

Little Angel Theatre (Islington)
Pizza Oregano 19 St Albans Place, N1
2 020 7288 1123
“Tucked down a little side road, there’s a reason Oregano is always bustling: authentic, delicious, good-value vast pizzas, pasta and much more. We recommend the calamari.”

Hackney Empire (Hackney)
Bella Vita 53-55 Broadway Market, E8
2 020 7249 4772  
“This is a little bit of walk (15mins) but Broadway Market is the cool, nice bit of Hackney and
definitely where you would want to eat.”

Hampstead Theatre (Swiss Cottage)
Belsize Kitchen 68 Belsize Lane, NW3
2 020 7794 6957  
“Hampstead Theatre isn’t in Hampstead proper but on the hideous Swiss Cottage roundabout. There are some good chains there but better to walk 10 mins (max) back towards Belsize park to a really lovely local one-off that is great with kids.”

Jackson Lane (Highgate)
Papa Del’s 347 Archway Road, N6
2 020 8347 9797
“The two massive, thick, dark wooden communal tables set the tone for this relaxed little Italian. Good pizza, pasta and salads in cosy surroundings.”

WEST
Lyric Hammersmith
The Grove 83 Hammersmith Grove, W6
2 020 8748 2966
“Lively pub-restaurant with lunch served from noon and dinner from 4pm. If you book ahead, they offer a 15% pre/post theatre discount. Bring your tickets for confirmation. Basic kids’ menu – the old  standbys: fish fingers, etc.”

The Hampshire Hog 227 King Street, W6
020 8748 3391. “5 minute walk up King Street to this lovely, newly-opened gastro
pub from the team behind the Engineer.  Children’s menu at lunchtime. They don’t start
serving dinner until 6.30pm so no good for evening shows but there is a nice pantry with
pastries, delicious teas and coffees.“

Raoul's Restaurant Hammersmith
113–115 Hammersmith Grove,W6
020 8741 3692 “Relatively new addition to the neighbourhood. Nice atmosphere, lovely
staff and family-friendly, if a little pricey.  Handy deli next door for coffee and cakes
but there’s no indoor seating.”

SOUTH EAST
Greenwich Theatre
The Spread Eagle 1-2 Stockwell Street, SE10  020 8853 2333 “Closest to the theatre,
English-French, beautiful set up, wonderful lobby where you can have cocktails beforehand; very friendly and polished service.”

Unicorn Theatre
Cantina del Ponte 36c Shad Thames, SE1
020 7403 5403 “It’s expensive for what it is (simple Italian fare), but they have a children’s menu, and the views of Tower Bridge are second to none.”

Tapas Brindisa 18–20 Southwark Street, SE1
2 020 7357 8880  “Head to Borough market and snack on mini-plates from one of London’s most authentic tapas bars.”

SOUTH WEST
Wimbledon Theatre and the Polka Theatre
Neither theatre is in the pretty bit of Wimbledon village which is a good 10–15 minute bus ride away.

Al Forno 2a King’s Road, SW19
020 8540 5710 “Above average pizzas with incredibly friendly, slightly crazy staff. Great fun.”

Slurp 138 Merton Road, SW19
020 8543 4141 “Fairly basic Japanese noodle bar very close to the Polka.”

Richmond Theatre
Don Fernando’s 27f The Quadrant, TW9
020 8948 6447 “Lively old-fashioned Spanish restaurant, all ole and sangria, near to the station.”

The Richmond Pizza Express is worth checking out too. London’s first, it had a makeover last year and now has a funky retro feel. The Lion House,
Richmond TW8  020 8948 7460.

IN TOWN
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, W1
0845 602 5694
Surely the best ice cream in town!
Wonderful atmosphere and lovely bar with high stools. Tots’ Menu with sandwiches, milkshakes and glorious ice cream sundaes. Delicious proper hot chocolate as well.

The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, W1 Tea reservations:

020 7300 2345

For a really special treat take your little ones to The Palm Court at the Ritz and let them feast on finger sandwiches and delicious cakes. Between 1 and 30 Dec at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm they are running a special Festive Christmas tea (with a glass of champagne for mummy) complete with carols sung by The Ritz Choir. It's an eye-watering £60 a head for grown ups, £25 for children.
Booking essential.

Joe Allen 13 Exeter Street, WC2
020 7836 0651 Head back to the 70s in this brick-walled basement and order delicious burgers (off menu).

Mr Kong 21 Lisle Street, WC2  020 7437 7341
Reliable Chinese staple on the main stretch in
Chinatown.

Sophie’s Steakhouse 29–31 Wellington Street, The Opera Quarter, Covent Garden, WC2
020 7836 8836  Right in the heart of theatre-land, this is a convenient, fun spot. Open from 12pm during the week, 11am on Sunday.