3 min read
@Mcrmother is a local expert in the subject of dining with tots. Here's her Top 5 Family Friendly places to eat, drink and play in Greater Manchester.
A short walk from Altrincham station and a stone’s throw away from Stamford Park, Rocket and Orange is a modern family café that ticks all the boxes and then some. Perfect for parents that appreciate great design and good coffee, and absolute heaven for kids that just wanna have fun. Table football, giant Connect 4, Duplo, Lego, a mini kitchen… the list goes on. These guys have it all. The menu is well thought out too: little and large portions of delicious breakfasts and wholesome main meals; soup and sarnie deals; and plenty of healthy options for the children. Brilliant. More info.
The Bean and Brush Family Arts Cafe in Sale is a firm favourite on Manchester’s mum scene. Welcoming staff, a friendly atmosphere and a children’s area make this a wonderful place for families to enjoy. Simple good food and delicious cakes, all locally sourced, are made fresh and served daily. Their extensive children’s menu is sure to satisfy the most picky of eaters. Make a full day of it and take your mini makers up to their Art and Craft studio. If the grown ups have been well behaved they can enjoy a glass of wine or a pint too. More info.
Located in the city’s vibrant Northern Quarter, Yard and Coop is where the cool kids hang out. This trendy chicken joint is child-friendly until 7pm, and the staff will welcome you with Lego and crayons if they see a nipper at your ankles. Fried chicken is their speciality and my goodness they do it well. There’s a great little kid’s menu and they keep the veggies sweet with fried halloumi alternatives. An absolute treat! Make sure to check out their midweek deals and have a good nosey at their quirky decor when you visit. More info.
If you’re in the vicinity of Oxford Road and looking for a healthy bite to eat, look no further than Backchic. This Lebanese street food restaurant dishes up delicious food in generous portions at very reasonable prices. For those unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine expect lots of humus, falafel, grilled meats and salads. The children’s menu is simple but effective, however if the little ones are being indecisive then order variety of mezze dishes and share. Don’t feel like being healthy? Scoff a burger and chips instead. Make sure to order something a bit different from their soft drinks menu. More info.
When the chaos of the Arndale gets too much, a trip to Manchester Art Gallery should provide some relative calm to your day. Even if you don’t have time to browse the gallery their café is well worth a visit. Their fantastic menu includes a variety of bakes, sandwiches, paninis, soups and hot mains; their delicious self-serve salad bar is sure to convert the most hardened salad dodger. The kid’s food offer of 5 items for £4.95 is perfect for tiny tots and if they need to stretch their legs you must make time to explore the Clore Art Studio. More info.
