Kids in London – Planet Hollywood

Yes, it really is the sort of place you go for a treat. But a few years ago my son had his birthday party there and my daughter – being only five at the time and a girl – was excluded from the fun. So it was time for her to have a look and half term provided a good excuse.

We adored going up the dark spiral staircase – especially when the cameras on the photographic mural started going off. My daughter posed appropriately – and I took a photo!. We walked though the zebra decorated bar area which was – surprisingly – not that busy and the girls on the front desk took us through to our table.

It was busy – but not frantic. Unfortunately, they decided to sit us in the horror area and I was a bit worried how my daughter would react to models from Dracula, Hellraiser and numerous other nasties (“Gruesome”!) – but her eyes were fixed on the multiple screens around the place and the incredible blue décor – including blue carpets complete with planets. I encouraged her to go and have a look around. She came back with reports of suits of armour and motorcycles as well as props from lots of films. She didn’t go into the James Bond area but peered at it from the entrance. She really enjoyed the wall hand prints – which trigger the voices of their owners and soundtracks from their films – Antonio Banderas, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone amongst them.

She was also most impressed by the loos. Not just because they were an unusual bright design with huge spectacles but because there was a lady in there providing soap and towels!

It was nice to watch the numerous groups around us celebrate their birthdays with singing from enthusiastic staff and messages appearing on the big screens. Zak, Alfie and Kelly Marie were celebrating. The DJ worked hard – mixing some classics (David Bowie, Queen and T Rex) with much more modern music including Kate Nash, Mika and 50 Cent.

OK, the food wasn't great but it really is a memorable venue for the youngsters who like the movies and their celebrity movie stars.