Restaurants

[littleoxford]

Hi everyone,

How often do you all manage to get to go to restaurants with your family?
What, if anything, puts you off going?

I would really appreciate any comments.

As often as I can - I love eating out. The main thing that puts me off is the cost - I have 3 dcs and even with children's menu and/or 2 for 1 offers it can still cost £40 plus

I love eating out but it all comes down to money!! Personally I would like to go to a good restaurant less often but with DD (18 months) it is hard. We love one v.nice restaurant near Abergavenny and they are very child friendly - they have high-chairs and a children's menu etc - but the last time we were there for FIL's birthday it was a total disaster! I had forgotten how quiet the restaurant was - with all the other guests whispering to each other and our Dd chattering loudly. Everyone was looking at us, I got stressed which meant that Dd got stressed and upset too and I ended up taking her outside to walk around the car park while the rest of the family finished eating. The staff were lovely and told me not to worry and that they were a family restaurant who encouraged children but I just feel that it wasn't fair on the other guests. The food was as lovely as always but I didn't feel like it was worth the money as I had to gulp it down quickly.

I think it'll be an occasional trip to pizza express for us for a good few years now after that! Although maybe a pub/restaurant where we can sit outside might be an option in the summer.

Actually though - I have just remembered that when we visited York before Christmas we went to a restaurant with lots of small rooms so as there were 10 of us we had our own room. That was excellent as the kids couldn't disturb any other guests and all the adults were really relaxed. We stayed there for 3hours eating and drinking - I'd definitely do that again!

With kids I second all the comments above. But one of my greatest pleasures in life is saving up for a truly special meal once a year or so - last time we spent £300 plus wine for the two of us. It was magical. Le Manoir is next on my hit list.

are you asking for a survey or are you a journo?

I would love to eat out more but my daughter has a medical condition that involves feedinh her through a naso gastric tube and we have had some terible experiences when we have gone out , which is a shame for my older daughter.