Xmas dinner at restaurant - where in SE/SW London?

[Cha]

Can't face doing it this year (2 year old and 3 month old) so was wondering where would be open. Does anyone know a) restaurants that are open or b) a website that would tell me? We live in Herne Hill, and would preferably like it within walking distance (will walk quite a way though!). Any help greatly appreciated!

No but it sounds a REALLY tempting idea. Broke the news to dp yesterday that I'm really not looking forward to Christmas Day chez his rellies. Life in the Inferiority Complex somewhat frosty ever since.

If you like cheap and cheerful Mexican, Bandidos in Herne Hill is open on Xmas Day. They are INCREDIBLY child friendly, never been to a place quite so welcoming and accepting of children in this country (probably because non of the staff are British). We go there all the time so couldn't face another enchillada or fajita... not for Xmas dinner anyway.

how about le chardon in e. dulwich if it is open?

I found on www.mybalham.com that Gastros in Clapham is open Xmas Day. Does anyone know if it is good - and more importantly, child friendly?

it's a brasserie, quite small and cramped. haven't eaten there for a while, food good but not outstanding. could you be more specific about what you mean by child friendly? from what i remember smoking is allowed throughout, no baby change, you're sitting cheek by jowl with the other punters, no crayons or stuff to play with... is that the sort of thing you mean? otoh, the staff are french so more likely to treat children with respect. hmm, could try it again myself, we haven't been since ds was born. not interested in le chardon? that is supposed to be excellent, and child-friendly, though again i'm not quite sure what form that actually takes there... belair house?

that sounds negative - you could certainly do worse than gastro.

ransome's dock in battersea always gets good write ups for child friendliness - too far for you?

osteria antica bologna in northcote road? dexter's bar & grill (abbeville road sw4 and bellevue road sw17)?

i take it none of these suggestions any good?

They are to me, BK! (not for Xmas dinner, but next time we venture out en famille). Not sure I would take toddlers into Gastro, cramped, never seen other kids in there etc.

Escape by Herne Hill station is v good during the day and in evenings if not too cowded. V Child friendly without that cheesy factor, IYKWIM

blu, of course you are another "local"

carmen at clapham common is very good for kids too (in that mediterranean very welcoming but no actual facilities - except a high chair - way). tapas are really good finger food, you get a selection of stuff for the fussy/picky ones and they serve you really fast - that's always a big plus in my book.

as you probably already know there are a gazillion places on northcote road for a brunch/lunch.

brixton not so good ime, but the sw9 cafe will do a "babycino" if you ask (and are prepared to wait for the ahem "leisurely" service).

keep meaning to venture further towards herne hill, dulwich and e. dulwich - there seem to be a few places recommended by mumsnetters over that way...

do you know opus on acre lane, btw? the couple who run it are french and are v. welcoming to kids - again not much in the way of stuff...