Anywhere near Harpenden/St Albans with good grub and cool garden for kids?

[Nessamummy]

I haven't yet discovered that perfect combination of a place that does really good food, where you can sit in an enclosed garden while your kids play on a slide or something similar. Any tips? Am willing to drive pretty far..

Mmmm, not brilliant but not bad either is the Amble Inn on Station Road near the Batford side of Harpenden. Has slide & climbing equip with outdoor garden & there is a lovely park opposite with river etc & stepping stones. The food is pretty good but slow though it might have sped up a bit by now as it's a few months since I've been.

thanks nevermore; i will give the Amble a go!

I've been watching this hoping that some more suggestions might come along.

Anyone???

THe watermill near frogmore (St Albans -Radlett road, right turn immediately after the M25 bridge.)

Very reasonably priced food, ducks and fish to feed, playground and lots of grassy space.

The Elephant and castle in Wheathampstead has a large open area of grass next to it- beautiful setting although no swings etc. Children are safe to run around (and lots take footbalss etc). The food is nice although a more limited menu on Sunday (sanwichaes, ploughmans and roast dinner). great for a sunny day (but inside is quite small but has a covered well that children like to look down!) but make sure you get there ealry for a table. x

ps also the waffle house in st albans is great for children- have a waffle and then head off to the park opposite for a play.

We recently went to the 3 Horseshoes on East Common. Has a lovely beer garden with a few toys. Food was good but not cheap and no real choice for children - ours were happy with sausages and chips followed by ice cream though !

The Moor Mill in Smug oak lane has a lovely setting (Colney street) with an enclosed playground, stream with ducks and lots of outside tables (might be the same place as Wombles suggestion). Service can be very slow especially on a nice weekend.