All this month, we’ll be introducing 50 picks for some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Beijing. These reviews originally appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of beijingkids (see end of post).
Type of cuisine: English
Smoking? No, not even in the outside garden area
English menu? Yes, with Chinese translation, no pictures
General kid-friendliness of menu: Many items on the adult menu are kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by those with smaller appetites. All-day breakfast meals and sandwiches, plus several vegetarian dishes are available.
Best dishes for adults: Deep-fried Scotch egg and salad with free-range egg wrapped in sage and onion pork mince and breadcrumbs (RMB 58), fresh scones (RMB 30), sausage roll in a crisp pastry and salad (RMB 58)
Kids’ menu? Yes, with six dishes specifically tailored to children in fun shapes and smaller portions. They do not guarantee that foods are nut-free, but there are no artificial preservatives, additives, flavorings or sweeteners in the foods on the children’s menu.
Best dishes for kids: Cheese on teddy toast (RMB 20), beans on toast (RMB 20), bangers and mash with veggies hidden in the mash (RMB 38), freshly squeezed juices (RMB 30 for a small), including seasonal blends like Popeye Power (spinach, pineapple and mint) or Bright Eyes (carrot, apple and pineapple)
Kids’ play area? Yes. Tables and chairs allow the adults to eat while the children play in the toy area. There is a separate, semi-private section for nursing moms, and a diaper changing station in the bathroom. In addition, there is a small artificial grass area off of the dining room with small trikes where the little ones can play “outside” during the meal.
Play areas nearby: Beidong Flower Market down the road
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, the owners have two young children themselves. Staff is attentive and speaks English.
Bathroom: Clean, sit-down. There is even a child-sized toilet and a toddler height sink. The changing table even has spare diapers and wet wipes.
Seating: Set between a banquet hall and a community arts center/church, there is ample space outside for table seating when the weather is warm.
Price: RMB 250
Credit card accepted? Not yet
Parking? Plenty of parking available; except if there is a wedding or during church hours on Saturday evening and Sunday morning
Must-order item: “Afternoon tea” for a selection of their best sandwiches, scotch eggs, scones, cakes and peppermint creams, with a pot of tea for two
In a nutshell: A quaint English cafe, The English Tearoom serves traditional English food and bountiful tea in a charming setting with flowered tablecloths and china. Suitable for a luncheon/afternoon tea, or breakfast, it is extremely kid-friendly and would be perfect for birthday parties as well.
Also try: Jamaica Blue, Milly’s
Photo Courtesy of Sui and Lova