Londoners! Ideas on nice, child friendly, central location to interview nannies tomorrow?

[Mummyteachmummy]

Long story, but we're in the process of moving into London so no home to invite them too.

Meeting three nannies across four hours, so hoping for somewhere with chain coffee shops (chains so I won't feel awkward dragging out a stay!), but also ideally a children's library, with bonus points for play park too...

I like Pimlico children's library and the play area in St James' Park, but neither are near and Costa/ Nero type places, which would be particularly helpful at nap time...

Westminster/ Victoria/ Clapham ideas anyone? TIA!

Clapham High St has several chain coffee places and also the shiny new Clapham Library (rhyme time 10-11) and Clapham Common is nearby if DC need a run around. Several playgrounds (although the playgrounds are in the centre of the park so are a ittle bit of a walk from the High St)

Maybe try www.london-baby.com for some ideas on whether there are stay and play sessions in those areas. We had the same issue a few weeks ago and used libraries, which were perfect, although we were in a different part of town.

How about Royal Festival Hall? Lots of places to sit and talk undisturbed but also allowing kids to run around and play.

Oooh, great ideas! Thanks so much ladies!

Southbank centre.....

Southbank centre... hoy and cold drinks, and space to roam, things sometimes going on too

Slightly further north -up near Kings Cross ish, but www.coramsfields.org is amazing.

Peter Pan playground has a lovely coffee shop right next to it (Kensington gardens) or if you are nr southbank centre there is a great play area just behind the London eye and you can sit in there with a cup of coffee!!

Southbank is great!

I would go to the cafe on the serpentine in Hyde park. It has indoor and outdoor seating depending on weather. Right next to serpentine pond with ducks/ swans etc, and playpark just around the corner.
So you could let little one walk a bit through park to cafe and have first interview, then leave for visit to park/ ducks, and return etc. Plenty of space for pram if little one will sleep.

Usually half empty in week, full at weekends. Does really good food also so you can have proper lunch inbetween. Oh and they sell ice cream etc if needed as bribery for child

Nearest tube is Knightsbridge btw, 5 mins walk away

First interview I wouldn't take the children. Leave that for a second interview.

Coram Fields by Russell Square. Gates are supervised so children can't get out and strangers can't get in without children, also there's no big lake for them to drown in. Also has a pet's corner. Nice cheap cafe too.

Holland Park! Great playgrounds (one toddler one and one older child playground) and a HUGE cafe that isn't often busy

Plus there's parking

Wow, amazing ideas, many banked up for when we move. Thanks all!