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Original poster

Alternatives to McDonalds?

45 replies

harlot · 15/09/2006 17:32

I completely agree with the tirade against junk food (jamie oliver et al) but am finding it really difficult to find high street alternatives to the demon McDonald's. I think Social Services have started staking those places out looking for bad parents, so won't risk it

Has anyone found good quality / reasonably healthy 'fast' food (i.e. not a sit down restaurant where you have to wait 20 mins to get your meal) in kid sized portions at any of the chains I'd find in central London? I end up buying adult-sized sandwiches and snacks for my daughter at places like Pret, Costa, etc. Are the dept store cafes the only (slightly depressing) options for kid stuff?

Thanks!

OP posts:
bobsmum · 15/09/2006 17:34

Wetherspoons? Afraid I don't know London at all, but their children's meals are streadily improving and they're nationwide I think.

Fauve · 15/09/2006 17:36

Very good question IMO. We find Pizza Hut is acceptable to the kids and I consider it healthier, and Pizza Express ditto. I'm agog to see what others say, though

serenity · 15/09/2006 17:44

Personally don't have a problem with McDs on an infrequent basis, but I know what you mean.

I keep meaning to try Subways - there seem to be more and more of them cropping up. We've got two on our (very long) high street and we haven't even got a McDs/BK here.

They do a childs meal which seems ok. Ham/Turkey/tuna roll, juice, I think a fruit winder, maybe crisps - can't remember exactly, but might be worth a try.

Tommy · 15/09/2006 17:45

we go to a little traditional cafe where they serve boiled eggs and soldiers - might it wbe worth seaching something like that out?

serenity · 15/09/2006 17:45

here it is,

bobsmum · 15/09/2006 17:46

I did think about pizza hut, but we took ds (4) there recently and he wouldn;t touch the pizza, but loved the salad bar. I couldn't finish the pizza myself because it tasted so salty - but this was the buffet, so maybe the menu stuff is better quality?

FioFio · 15/09/2006 17:46

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FioFio · 15/09/2006 17:47

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FioFio · 15/09/2006 17:47

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Blossomhill · 15/09/2006 17:49

nandos is great for kids. quick service and mainly chicken breasts served

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 15/09/2006 17:54

If we are near an IKEA we tend to head there, as the boys like their pasta dishes. Otherwise Weatherspoons is a perennial favourite, as is Harvester who do some decent kids options, and the kids love the salad bars.

bobsmum · 15/09/2006 18:03

I think I only found the pizza salty because I've stopped using salt altogether in cooking - except on chips - couldn't have chips without salt and vinegar - morally wrong I think!

I used to manage loads of slices at the buffet, but it just tasted weird this time round. I was so disappointed.

CAn't really afford Pizza Express but I imagine that would be better than pizza Hut.

Polgara2 · 15/09/2006 19:16

DD1 loves Subway which is great as its got to be better than McD's (which I don't have a problem with on an infrequent basis btw). Just need to get a very fussy dd2 in on the act but thanks to Serenity's link it may be possible! Thanks.

Blu · 15/09/2006 19:22

Having harboured secret snobby views on Nandos, we went one day and I have to agree that it has great kids options and is a good price if you are canny about expensive extras.

Holidaymum · 15/09/2006 19:25

If the weather is nice a local bakery for sandwiches/pizza or dreaded sausage roll and eat in the park! If its bad we have a nice cinema that does a good menu ie independant cafe. WE avoid chains like the plague, rather give my dosh to a local business.

foxinsocks · 15/09/2006 19:26

I love nandos mmmmm

bobsmum · 15/09/2006 19:26

What is Nandos? Is it nationwide or just SE England?

Blu · 15/09/2006 19:29

I do agree about local bakeries or delis or corner cafes.

ScummyMummy · 15/09/2006 19:31

we do:
nandos
pizza express
noodle noodle
wagamama
local chinese buffet
for fast foody options

noonar · 15/09/2006 19:31

m & s cafes do ok lunch boxes, with cheese roll, juice, organic yog etc.

ScummyMummy · 15/09/2006 19:31

Nandos

bobsmum · 15/09/2006 20:16

Hey - Nandos looks fab! THere's one next to the very same Pizza Hut I posted about earlier! Mine eyes have seen the PeriPeri!! Thanks SM

bobsmum · 15/09/2006 20:18

Had to laugh at their definition of "North" if you click onto their restaurant finder. Talk about Watford Gap syndrome!! tHey might as well have written "here be dragons" - it's grim oop north...

tribpot · 15/09/2006 20:26

I quite like the traditional carvery option (also cos dh can eat it - is wheat intolerant). Just meat, potatoes, veg, basically. Either a Toby or pub, depending on where you are and age of kids? (Toby carvery makes me laugh, my ds is called Toby and at Christmas they have signs up saying Love Toby Love Christmas. Or maybe vice versa!)

NotQuiteCockney · 15/09/2006 20:26

Nandos is lovely. Leon is very good. Pret do half-sandwiches, which are v practical for kids. I like Subway ok, too.