Name: Blue Hawaii
Address: 2 Richmond Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Kingston, KT2 5EB, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8549 6989

First, the décor is unusual. The plants on the walls and the wooden tables and other décor make it feel like you are eating in a straw hut in some faraway place – like Hawaii (not that I have been).

Second, the staff are fabulous. They are all young, from different parts of the world, dressed in bright Hawaii shirts and shorts. They are friendly and incredibly tolerant.

Third, the music, OK. Well that depends on your taste. They have a habit of playing old Elvis Presley music. But you often have live bands there. And I have been there when they had one of their guitar players. And they do salsa evenings each week too (not that the kids are keen on that).

Fourth, the food. Now this is the real experience. You can either use one of their suggested menu cards or you can do your own thing. This is absolute heaven for small people who are usually very, very picky who can detect anything green on their plate from 500 yards. So. You pick up a dish and select a variety of your chosen vegetables. Then you pick one of the meats (usually beef, pork, ham/bacon and chicken are offered) or the fish (usually prawns, crab sticks or cod). Then you put in up to two ladles of your chosen sauce (and there are lots of choices – curry, white wine, chilli, cocoanut etc) and one of your chosen oils (plain or flavoured). Then you move onto the spices and herbs section and add to taste.

Then you take the dish to the nice, friendly person manning the “barbeque” (large domed hot plate) and he cooks your food in front of you. Placing it back in a dish when it’s ready. You then return to your table and eat your concoction along with the sides of rice and noodles you have ordered.

And then you do the same thing again. And again, Until you are full. Interactive food and the kids love it. Total control over what they eat. But bearing in mind it’s pretty much all vegetables and meat (and all fresh) you know that no matter what they do they have to get something nutritious inside them! The all you can eat BBQ is around £11 but starters and sides and desserts and drinks are extra. But you can do it for a reasonable price – especially if you take advantage of some of the weekend kids offers.

And the desserts are packaged ice creams and glorious ice cream creations. Although last time they were there they didn’t appear to do the much loved ice cream “bomb” creation that is enough to feed three hungry (yes, even after all those trips to the BBQ!) kids.

Fifth, the drinks. This is for the accompanying adults though. An extensive range of cocktails – although they do a lot of non-alcoholic ones (fruit juice mixes to you and me) so the kids aren’t left out. There are also lots of shot combos – but not for those who are in charge of kids!

I’ve had kids parties there in the late afternoon (they provide flower garlands when you book a group which add to the sense of fun) and even popped in after shopping in the busy centre. In the evenings it seems to rely mostly on groups (lots of hen and stag dos and office parties). So it’s rarely a dull moment.

Blue Hawaii

All In London Review

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