Rainforest cafe in London

[Theresa]

We're from Newcastle & spending a couple of days in london during easter hols. Have been to Rainforest Cafe in Disneyland Paris & loved it - a bit overpriced but great 'theming'. Have never been to any others. What's the one in London like? Presumably menu will be standard but a few years back I asked this question on mumsent & was advised it was scruffy & best avoided & so we did! Is this still the case?

[Hallgerda]

Thanks, janinlondon. I'm glad there's no risk the overpriced sandwiches will be contaminated!

[janinlondon]

Hallgerda, there are animated animals everywhere -trumpeting elephants, chest-pounding gorillas etc - and there's a tropical thunderstorm every 30 minutes (I think - maybe it was every hour..?) - so no health and safety problems!! Menus are \link{http://www.therainforestcafe.co.uk/menus.asp\here} - main meals range from £10-£16 (£16 is for steak).

[Hallgerda]

Daft question I know, but how does it differ from other cafes? Are there parrots flying around? If so, aren't there... er... risks to the food???

[Earlybird]

We went about 6 weeks ago. It is fun, but when we were there, was very busy/crowded and completely chaotic. Food is OK, but it's not really the point is it? BTW, they have a website which I think includes the menu (not sure about prices), if you want to take a look.

One word of advice - to enter/exit the restaurant you must pass through the shop which means a souvenir is virtually obligatory on top of the price of the meal. I found it was a good idea to give dd a budget (I said £5) so that the kids know the boundaries going in. That way you don't have a child whose experience at the restaurant is overshadowed by the fact that you have denied them a desperately overpriced piece of plastic. But, maybe that only happens to me....

[julienetmum]

My boss took me there a few years ago when we were on a business trip in London. She had taken her kids there and said it was an experience. I thought it was great and children would have loved it. We went in the evening. I have no idea how much the meal cost as it was on expenses.

[Uwila]

I think it's way overpriced. I went there with DH and DD a while ago. DD have a starter and desert. DH and I had a normal meal. The bill was £70... for lunch!

[janinlondon]

It is looking a little down at heel, but it is in the basement so its pretty dark and kids don't notice that sort of thing anyway! If you do go, be sure to get a table on the top level - the lower level doesn't have much to amuse the kids. And if you are going for lunch, get there before 12 if you can. The queues in holiday time can be up to two hours (I know! Who would wait that amount of time with children????)