Kids in the West End (Rainforest Cafe)

KimT's London for Kids Blog

I took my nine year old daughter - who is dance mad - to Covent Garden to visit the Museum of Theatre to find it had recently closed. So we went for a walk around the Royal Opera House which was nice although access was limited. And apart from the shop - which is very nice - there isn't much to see relating to ballet.

So, after watching the various Covent Garden street entertainers (jugglers, singers, moving statues)for a while and deciding against the London Transport Museum (this is well worth a visit but we were there recently) we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus and managed to get into the Rainforest Cafe for an early lunch without having to wait or queue - this is a rare occurrance!

We were walked across wooden bridges to seats right next to the wonderful fish tanks. There were several birthday parties taking place - but the singing was a little drowned out by the regular very loud thunderstorm effects (parents of younger children beware - the toddlers at the next table had their heads firmly buried in their parents arms during the simulated storms). But the fantastic gently moving elephant, gorilla, snake and other animal models amongst the rainforest back drop and waterfalls more than made up for it.

The food there is OK - they have a great kids menu with lots of healthy options (and excellent cocktails for parents) - although it is the decor, environment, atmosphere and the incredibly friendly staff who make it such a great place to take kids. Colouring pens are provided are also provided for those with a short attention span.

Additional warning - you have to walk through the shop that is stuffed with attractive toys and cuddlies to get to and from the restaurant - so be prepared to get your wallet out!
:)

Posted Date
May 2, 2007 in KimT's London for Kids Blog by KimT