Restaurant in Covent Garden area for 3rd birthday party

[Betty24]

I'm organising a family day out for my dd's 3rd birthday party. Going to a show at peacock theatre near Aldwych then need a restaurant for lunch. There are 10 adults and 5 children under 5 so will be a noisy affair. My dd is insisting it's a 'Thomas' Party so I need to be able to bring lots of Thomas Tank paraphanalia without fear of offending the regulars! Smollenskys looks like a good option, they have kids weekends with magicians (free party entertainment), playstation (for the dads no doubt), balloons and lots of room to run around. we have been there before for a do but it can be quiet in there so can feel a bit flat and the food is a bit grim. Just wondered if anyone could recommend other restaurants or pubs in that area.

Thanks

There's also a Zizzi and Pizza Express, both on the Strand. Zizzi is a big underground restaurant (like Smollenskys is) and Pizza Express also goes underground but feels a bit lighter IYKWIM. (It's in-between Charing Cross and Traf Sq.)

I'm sure either of those would be happy with you bringing Thomas stuff with you and you know what the menus will be in advance which may help.

I've always quite enjoyed Smollenskys food btw. But I probably haven't been in 6 months. :)

Otherwise, there is Giraffe which is very family-friendly on the South Bank but it's a complete pain as they won't let you book in advance (that may have changed).

I'm not sure if the Mongolian BBQ still exists on Maiden Lane? It's closed for refurbishment apparent as per their website. You might want to call and see if it will have reopened by the time you have your day out. Because that is good fun for all in choosing the food etc and watcing it being cooked. Caters for all food fussiness too.

Oh and there is also La Tasca, also on Maiden Lane, which regularly has deals. Again, tapas can be good for different tastes as the children can eat patatas bravas and meatballs, rice etc if they are unadventurous but obviously there is more exciting food available too.

Hope this helps!

Thanks a lot for those suggestions - Zizzis is always good and I didnt realise there was a pizza express on the Strand, will give them a call. Smollenskys have called to say that they are not doing the kids entertainment over christmas period but are happy to give us a private area curtained off from main restaurant so we can do whatever we like. A kids party with no mess to clear up - hoobloodyra!

Mongolian BBQ sounds really good, I'll earmark that for a future outing.

Thanks again

There's a Pizza Hut there.

Isn't there are TGIFridays the too?

Yes there's a TGI just on a side road off the Strand. Probably Bedford or Southampton St, can't remember which.