The Lyons family is made up of dad Stephen, mom Eleanor, Claudia (age 13), Penny (11), and Patrick (8). Eleanor is a stay-at-home mom, while Stephen is vice-president of finance and corporate for a gas exploration company. The kids attend Dulwich College Beijing. Originally from Australia, the Lyons have called Beijing home for over six years.
Favorite Day Trip
We love flying down the toboggan at Mutianyu Great Wall and having lunch at The Schoolhouse.
Kids Beg Us to Go
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport for their Sunday brunch! The kids’ favorites are the homemade ice cream, chocolate fountain, popcorn, and playroom. We like the seafood, grill, and Beijing duck.
Favorite Dessert
Our children love the ice cream martini and chocolate molten cake at Union Bar and Grille.
Best Place for a Special Occasion
Capital M for the parents and Union Bar and Grille for the kids
Favorite Places to Shop
Eleanor loves the variety at Beidong Flower Market: flowers, plants, birds, fish, cute knickknacks, antiques, rugs, and more. The kids are very active, so we also shop a lot at Decathlon. The clothes are of good quality and don’t require haggling.
Favorite Way to Relax
Having a family foot massage at the Beijing Riviera Clubhouse, followed by a Chinese feast at the in-house Chinese restaurant
Family Rituals
Every Sunday, we go to Avocado Tree at Pinnacle Plaza for chicken burritos after church.
Date Night
Mosto at Nali Patio
Best Places to Play
The pollution has been a big factor lately, so we finally bought the kids a Wii; it’s been very helpful in keeping them active indoors. O’le Climbing is fabulous as well.
On the Weekend
On Saturday, we have swimming lessons followed by pretzels and cream Berliners at Michael’s German Bakery. Then, Eleanor heads to the Human in Motion gym in Cathay View Garden. The kids often go to K. K. Animal Hospital to play with the puppies, kittens, and rabbits. In the evening, we usually eat at a local restaurant.
Favorite Family Restaurant
Haru at Pinnacle Plaza. Our kids are a bit older, so it’s suitable for them.
New Discoveries
Steve discovered a go-karting track near the Audi Beijing Goldenport Motor Park on Dongwei Lu. The kids absolutely love it!
photo by VivaXiao Photography Studio