Talk to Organix about taking your child out for a meal: you could win £100 restaurant voucher - NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Organix are interested in your views on the standards of food served to children and experiences of families when eating out in the UK.

Organix say "We're working in partnership with the Soil Association to inspire restaurants and pubs to provide real food, real choices and a great experience for children. We have created a league table of the top 21 restaurant chains in the UK and their offering for children. Now we'd like to know what you think about this topic".

Please share on this thread what you think about the below:

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?
~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?
~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?
~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?
~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

Add your comment and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win £100 of Love2Shop Restaurant vouchers (valid at hundreds of restaurants across the UK). The prize draw will happen on Monday 30 September.

You can read all about Organix, the Out to Lunch campaign and how you can get involved on their special pages on MN.

thanks and good luck.
MNHQ

[Noseynoonoo]

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[ScariestFairyByFar]

I've bf in all sorts of places no problem. We have a new local gastro pub & it's great to see they'll do 1/2 portions of adult meals for kids. I feel it shows it's all home made not frozen in microwaveable portions. I love taking my dd out to eat but find it easier if it's just me & her as she gets all the attention so doesn't get bored

[CatHackney]

Restaurants could make breastfeeding mothers feel more welcome by posting a "breastfeeding welcome" sticker on their doors, offering to bring over water, and offering food.

Restaurants generally tend to put too much salt into adult food as it is, so I'd be keen on places that offered fresh food for kids without salt and with a nice variety of vegetables. Plain pasta is unacceptable.

[YourHandInMyHand]

So happy!

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the interesting feedback: am pleased to say the winner of the £100 voucher is YourHandInMyHand - congrats!

[NotCitrus]

My eldest is 5. It's got a lot better and problems tend to be individual clueless staff rather than anything else.
Eg two 4yos had been really good so we let them order icecream, so one scoop each of choc or strawberry.
Had to chase order 3 times. 45 min later a waiter brought bowls of 3 scoop of different flavours and both had total hysterics at huge portion and Wrong flavours. And waiter panicked and said he had to ask kitchen for more, couldn't just put scoop onto separate bowls. I gave him one minute before demanding cups from the barmaid and doing it myself - so then of course just as we were leaving, an hour after the order, two more icecreams arrived and boys howled because they weren't allowed to eat them...

Generally it's fine, just give me easy to provide bits and don't muck about with them - if child scared of most food asks for a plain Yorkshire pudding on a plate, and you say no problem, bringing a bowl with the pud half sunk in gravy isn't going to go down well. Nor is pulling the same pud out!

High chairs helpful but not vital, and better none than the weird padded reclining Graco ones. Bench seats in booths handy once they can sit. And bring the bill quickly, especially if asked at the start of the main course - kids are fine for two courses but want to push off at the end.

Independents are the same - usually good, often great, staff are crucial. Flexibility - offering half of most pasta dishes, starters, or just like the cafe the other day, letting toddler have a whole slice of cheese while I had a coffee.

Breastfeeding - never had a problem, some cafes have obsessively offered me water. But some cafes don't have any sofas or low comfy chairs so I didn't go to them when bfing. Being told "please come again!" is really reassuring when you have spent a couple hours on one drink trying to bf a tiny baby.

Agree a bfing sticker on the door would be reassuring.

[mummyofcutetwo]

DH, DS1, DS2 and I went for an unplanned meal at a local pizza restaurant yesterday. The staff are divided into people who seem to consider customers to be an utter nuisance and others who love children and love to see families out to dine together.

The things they do well - they always have a lot of highchairs available and they're happy for babies/toddlers to share your food.

The things they could do better - a bit more space between tables so people don't trip over the legs of the highchair and then glare at you; a stock of toddler friendly plates/bowls/cutlery; not put the steaming hot plates of food/jugs of water/super sharp steak knives in front of the toddler (you've moved EVERYTHING from in front of them for a reason!); to understand that you'd like the bill and to pay quickly after the meal has been finished as toddlers and small children aren't so very good at small talk and can get a bit restless if bored!

I tend to try to take some toddler cutlery, straws and a few small and quiet toys/books everywhere with me but sometimes I do get caught out.

[Lilpickle08]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

Totally agree - the food is very 'samey' - all chicken nuggets, burgers, chips etc, never seems to be particularly healthy, though there are exceptions of course. They always seem to end in ice cream too - what about some nice 'healthy' ish puddings?

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

Some of the independents have a more varied menu and healthier options - for example, soup, jacket potatoes, spag bol. Also the independents tend to make their own sauces etc rather than buying them in, so the food is healthier AND tastier.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?
This varies to be honest. I have a child with serious food allergies, so some of the independents are not that great with knowing what allergens are in their food, whereas the majority of the chains have allergen leaflets or information recorded somewhere that outlines what ingredients are in their food.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?
I haven't been brave enough to breastfeed in a restaurant. I did do a sneaky breastfeed in the corner of a pub though.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?
I would be more comfortable if they had posters that said 'we welcome breastfeeding here' or something like that - so you know that if a member of public objected, the restaurant would be on your side. It's sad that there is still that worry really, but unfortunately people do still kick up a fuss! Also it would be great to have a little area where you could breastfeed discretely - with comfy chairs etc.

An interesting debate!

[StarsAboveYou]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

Disagree, I've eaten out with DS regularly and have never had any issues.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?

Again, I've regularly bf in cafes and restaurants without ever having any problems.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

No concerns so I can't suggest anything here.

[starlight36]

The general standard of children's food does need to improve. We find that a lot of children's menus still tend to have lots of chicken nuggets and chips or sausages and mash - regardless of the food on offer on the general menus. It would be great to have smaller portions of the main dishes on the children's menus. We have been in a few independent pubs and restaurants where often mini portions of roasts are served at the weekend.

In general independent restaurants and pubs tend to be more child friendly.

I tend to time feeds to avoid breastfeeding whilst out for a meal. Partly this is so that our baby is fed and asleep so that I can fully relax and enjoy the meal without amusing our baby.

[browneyesblue]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

I agree - we have no childcare, so only ever eat out with the DCs. Although the places we eat normally make a fuss of the children, more interesting meal choices would be very welcome.

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

9 times out of 10, it seems to be chips with fish fingers/burgers/nuggets etc, no matter what the adult menu is. I suppose this suits a lot of children (and my eldest would certainly never turn down chips!), but it would be refreshing to see the main menu reflected more in the children's menu. I would like DS1 to have a real choice - at 3, he probably thinks that "... with chips" is what restaurants are about.

I appreciate it when a restaurant offers smaller portions of the main menu for children (most recently, thank you Number 1 Bar and Kitchen in Norfolk :) ). I personally also like it when simple drinks (eg, milk) are on the menu - DS1 is still young enough that he will drink whatever he is given.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?

Unfortunately there is a lack of good independents locally, so when away from home I actively seek out independents who have a reputation for catering well to both adults and children. To me, a good restaurant/eaterie is somewhere where DH and I can enjoy a nice meal, but our children aren't afterthoughts. It doesn't need to be all singing and dancing, but a clean highchair, balanced children's menu, friendly attitude and welcoming manner make for a good eating experience. I am more likely to find these attributes in an independent, but I have to seek them out.


~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?

I breastfed DS1 for 3 years, and am currently breastfeeding DS2. I have never had a bad experience in a restaurant - people just carry on as normal, which is how I like it!

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

Comfy chairs are always a plus, as is enough room between the seating and the table. I've found that a few chains have fixed bench seating with tables that are on the high side, meaning I have to sit at an odd angle. Other than that, nothing that they wouldn't do for another customer, mainly provide good service (eg, offer drinks) and perhaps lend a hand if mine are full.

[DanglingChillis]

Food for kids in restaurants is generally quite poor I think, you have to seek out the places that are good. Independents are either much worse or much better than chains depending on the actual place. I've found the place that are best are the ones that are not obviously 'child friendly' but are friendly to the children of their customers IYSWIM. We have a very naice restaurant near us and they are fantastic with kids, they have a good kid's menu with real food, also do half portions, the kids get child sized metal cutlery (don't get me started on the adult sized plastic cutlery from IKEA that most places offer) and nice melamine plates and cupss. They have waitress service (can't be doing with going up to a counter when I'm out with the kids), take the kids food out just before the adults so you have time to cut it up before you get your own. Best of all, there are very few kids there!

We've just had a really good experience at a local castle where they do a family picnic platter, lots of small plates of food put in the middle of the table, we got nice sandwiches, delicious pork pies (I'd never had a pork pie I liked until today, I now see the attraction!), tasty mini quiches, crisps, salad, chutney, pickles. It was really tasty, the kids tried everything, and was also not too expensive. And they had a model castle for the kids to play with, what could be better?

I've never had any negative comments about BFing in local cafes or restaurants. Most people are very supportive in my experience. I've been given a big glass of water when the waitress noticed I was BFing, that was really thoughtful.

[purpleroses]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?
It's not too bad really.
~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

I like it best when they offer a half size portion of anything on the menu. And where they don't put raw onion in salads.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?
I have to say overall the chains are better. Independent restaurants round where I live are usually going for the couples market. They don't do children's menus, and are generally much pricier than chains which makes then unaffordable for family dining. The chains will usually produce paper/crayons as well which is good for younger children

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?
I breastfed all over the place and never had any problems. Would always do it discreetly with a cardigan.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?
Nothing really. Just accept it as normal when it happens. I don't want to see big signs saying "breastfeeding welcome" I would rather just assume that of course it's welcome unless they state otherwise. Personally I wouldn't want to go off away from everyone else to feed, though I think there are some mums who prefer to feed in private, so a comfy seat in or near the toilets might be good for them.

[Babyonway3]

I live in Southern Spain and I love the way that children are catered in restaurants out here in comparison to UK. The first thing that strikes you when eating out in Spanish restaurants in comparison to UK is that children are ALWAYS welcome! from the restaurant staff and diners, you never get 'dirty looks' as if to say 'why on earth have you brought your children here' which I have experienced plenty of times in UK - you are much more likely to have people smile fondly at the children or make a nice comment. Also, there is rarely a separate menu for kids, most restaurants will give a small ration of whatever is on the menu.. - I think UK restaurants could learn a lot from the atmosphere here in Andalusia towards children eating out with their parents.

[poachedeggs]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

YES! I am sick to the back teeth of chicken nuggets, turkey dinosaurs, crap or absent veg and general poor quality and choice.

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

I like places that don't do a kids menu, they just do half portions instead. Much better.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?

I probably don't have wide enough experience of this but I would say independents probably have more flexibility and so maybe do a better job of meeting the needs of children. However, places like Pizza Hut are fab for kids as they love all the salady bits, pasta, pizza etc.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?

To be honest I am neutral about this - I don't expect to have experiences when breastfeeding, it's just something that human beings do when they have babies. It's never been a particular issue either positive or negative. Which is as it should be!

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

Just have some seating that's not a rickety wooden chair in the middle of a busy room. And free cake

[MumOfAPickle]

Best time eating out with our two was on holiday in menorca where they are so family friendly. They serve smaller portions of the normal menu as well as the usual stuff and loads of the restaurants had stuff for the kids to do - bouncy castles, trampolines, play equipment. I know lots of mnetters will think it sounds hideous but honestly it was all outside, all well laid out in a pretty enclosed space and meant me and Dh could have a leisurely meal with a glass of sangria every evening and kids had a ball, bliss!!

My pet hates eating out are, kids menu but no kids cutlery. Bringing the dc's food out on scorching hot plates. No kids drinks (yes I'm looking at you Pizza Express - £2.30 for a bloody orange juice!! Nearly a fiver just to get the kids drink each )

[Halfbaked]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?
I think generally choice is poor and limited to nuggets/sausage/chips/ pasta. I would think if your child was veggie it would be very difficult. I think training of staff needs to improve, especially in "family friendly" places as just little things could make the experience more pleasant, like where you are seated, getting a highchair having space for buggies, quick service and actually engaging with the children. Clean highchairs too, some are utterly disgraceful.
~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?
I think places that offer the same as adult but smaller portions are good, but agree with many that what a 2year old will eat is not the same as a 12 year old. I hate food waste, so serving 5 fish fingers to my 2 year old is just ridiculous, for us and the restaurant. The standard ice cream for dessert is rubbish too, often not the same quality as for the adults.
Giraffe have been good for making orders quick, bringing lidded drinks with straws in them, plus crayons paper and a balloon over when my toddler started to get grumpy.
I wish places would bring the food quickly and at a temperature that a small child could eat. It's normally piping hot and trying to cool it down before my toddler grabs and burns herself just makes it stressful.
Independent place Waffle House in Norwich is great for kids menu as mainly smaller version of adult dishes (although still too big for a toddler) there's a bit of mix and match which is good for picky eaters.
~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?
I think some chains are good- weatherspoons/giraffe/ pizza express and some are poor cafe rouge/ prezzo
Some chains have more stuff like highchairs/ space but I think it's often down to the staff that makes it for me. Just a bit of customer service can go a long way. That differs and I don't think being a chain or independent makes a difference. I think generally our attitudes to children eating out in the Uk need to improve, we should teach our children how to eat out but be supported by restaurants to do so.
~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?
Never had any issues
~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?
Quiet place, space staff who provide water and discretion. Love the spork/knork idea.

[clabsyqueen]

I have breastfed 2 children in many chain restaurants and cafes with no problem ever - pizza express zizzi nandos John Lewis. Neither have I had any problem in independent cafes.
The chain restaurants offer good children's options in my experience and will always give empty plates for sharing and omit sauces when requested eg zizzi Nandos
My only negative comment is that the staff at Jamie oliver restaurants sprinkle sea salt over children's portions.
Overall John Lewis is my favourite. I go nearly every day! And have probably breastfed in every department!

[RubySparks]

Never had any problem breastfeeding in cafe or restaurant so that was non issue for me. The one thing that might improve that experience would be for food to be kept hot if the ,othe ris unable to eat due to feeding the baby. I think it is bizarre to have children's menus which are generally fast food type not very healthy stuff e.g. Chicken nuggets, fish fingers - not so bad if they are homemade but usually would just be bought in and reheated. It would be preferable to be given a children's portion option where it would basically be similar to the adult's choice but half the size (and half the price!).

Offering some kind of taster platter would be good too so that children get a chance to try out new foods without wasting much food or costing a lot. It would be particularly nice to see fresh fruit offered rather than always ice cream. Having said that mine are now teenagers so paying for adult meals now anyway! Taster platter would still work though.

[Davinaaddict]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

Yes definitely. It's always the same boring and unhealthy options. Some make a bit of an effort, but generally I'd prefer it if they offered smaller versions of the adults choices. Also, and I know it's not easy to solve, but my 1yo doesn't eat the same amount as a 7 yo would, yet the portion size is always the same,waning either loads go to waste or my children eat more than they would normally.


~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

Not really, but they do generally all follow the theme of sausages or chicken dippers and chips, with maybe some token peas.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?

Generally speaking, I'd say the independents tend to be marginally better as they tend to offer something different overall.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?

I've not had any noticeably good or bad experiences. I've just got on and done it, and never been bothered.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

Given my experience, not much! However, I know some people have had some terrible experiences. If I was opening a restaurant, I may consider offering a feeding room for those mums that like to have some privacy (new or not very confident feeders). Having said that, I would never ask someone to use it, just an extra facility for customer use.

[SacreBlue]

Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

It depends on the restaurant and on expectations. I have never chosen for my DS from kids menus were 'chips, beans & random meat' were the only options - he just had a starter or part of mine but I know others like to see this on the menu

Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

Nearly every place I have seen a kids menu it has been the above chips, beans etc - not for me or my DS but again, some parents prefer this choice.

In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?

Independents have nearly always been more suitable for our needs - no idea why this is, perhaps because a chain has to cater for 'everyone' while independents can concentrate on the food and let parents decide. I prefer menus for me at independents so assume my food preferences have informed my DS choices

[LaTrucha]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?
In all honesty, not for me. My children are not mad keen on trying new things, so I'm always relieved when I see the same old same old. I even went through a phase of avoiding anywhere that advertised 'handcut chips' or the like as I knew DD wouldn't touch them and she'd be hungry. A little more variety aswell as the standards, I am all for.

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them? I like it when cafes do lunchboxes - by which I mean a selection of about a dozen things from which you can choose 5 to go in a box. That way I can usually get some sort of fruit and vegetables that DD will eat (ie raw) and soemthing else that she will eat willingly. I don't like to have to coax my children to eat, so if they can choose, that's good for me.
~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why? Worse. They try and do good food. This si not on for a meal out for my kids. I would never take them in. It sounds like I am a terrible mother, but it's my experience.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants? Only good.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome? Perhaps if they displayed some sort of message to say it was welcome mothers would feel more confident that they wouldn't be challenged, or if they were, that the restaurant would back them up.

[snowlie]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

I don't think the standard of food for kids in the UK is any better or any worse than other countries we have visited. Many good restaurants and unfortunately a few bad ones too. And the quality of food can always improve, especially in chains. We've had a few occasions where the adults food was freshly prepared and cooked and the kids food was a processed pile of beige oven food. Even the quality of kids ice cream will be poor compared to the main menu.

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?
We go to a great localish pub who can't do enough to please the kids - they offer smaller portions of the adult menu or the usual kiddie favourites cooked properly from scratch - not a nugget or fish finger in sight.
A good restaurant will be happy to cook anything simple for a kid - chicken breast, a bit if fish, some minced steak....it's not hard if the restaurant are in the business of cooking not just heating up.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?
In general we do our best to avoid chain restaurant's as the food is predictably dull for the adults never mind the kids. We've mostly had great experiences in Wagamama - when they were smaller the kids made a huge mess and the staff were fantastic, as were the menus, loads of high chairs, interesting juices and interesting food of the adults too.

[kateandme]

Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?
i think the restaurant that have higher cliental arent into kids being around much.many people seem to alsmost sniff at them when your bring them in.
i think it is difficult.children should be taught to be in the eating out situation.its all part of growing up.weve had some of our best times as a big family out togetrher during a meal so its good to get them started when you can.
id like some places to be more welcming with the children.
~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?
generally they are very good.but the pubs,chains seemto makret for them better which isnt so nice becasue sometimes you want to go somewhere a bit more "pricey"for a special meal and its a bit tricky to feel wanted.
~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?i think asking helps.when we go to independant places if we ask for half portions of a standard meal they can be very helpful.
but chains are good for kids menus but whats on them isnt fantastic.its can be same old meals but i want my children to be ableto experience new stuff too.if we out and they want beans and nuggest great,thats their treat when they are that age,but what if they wanted something like us or a bit more exciting,id liek them to be able to do that too.
~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants? n/a
~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?n/a

[asuwere]

~ Do you agree or disagree that the general standard of children food and eating experience needs to improve in restaurants in the UK?

I would say there is a big tendency for child menus to just be hot dogs or nuggets and chips which is quite disappointing and could be improved.

~ Do you have any good or bad examples of kids menus in your local independent restaurants, pubs and cafes? What do you like or not like about them?

As I said, child menus often seem to be 'beige food'. I like places where they just have a menu and you can order half/child size portions of anything -makes it more of a family meal, rather than adults having proper food while kids are fobbed off with rubbish nuggets.

~ In your experience, are independent restaurants worse or better than the chains at catering for your and child’s needs? Why?

I think independent places are generally more interested in their food in general so have a better menu and may be fore likely to offer child sizes of their real food. There are some chains which are very good though.

~ Have you any good or bad experiences to share about breastfeeding your child in restaurants?

I've breastfed in many restaurants but I can't think of any bad or good experiences. I've never really thought of it as an issue and really can't think what would make it a good experience. Worst that I can think of is finding it really awkward to feed if in a booth but it's not a big problem.

~ What more could restaurants do to make breastfeeding mums feel welcome?

I can't think of anything and not sure that they do need to make them feel welcome - they are just people so same as anyone else.