20 family friendly places to eat in Kent
Noted as a destination for delicious, plant-based cuisine, chefs celebrate the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients from Kent and local farms to create vibrant, natural dishes for everyone to enjoy. American-style pancakes with tasty toppings will kick off the day for youngsters while for lunch there are choices including pasta and pizza. Adults can pick from the range of breakfast options served until noon, while a Buddha bowl or sharing platter are on the lunch menu.
What we love: Not only child friendly, four-legged friends are also welcomed.
Where: 17a Burgate, Canterbury. CT1 2HG.
thevegboxcafe.co.uk
Sotirios.
With its Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2023, it rates highly as being one of the area’s favourites. Parents of fussy eaters don’t have to worry too much here as the menu has some good options which will appeal to all. Choose from a selection of starters including dough balls or hummus, while spaghetti pomodoro and grilled chicken are main course choices. Space for pudding is also recommended with the tempting chocolate fondant and Sotirio’s sundae as some of the dessert choices.
What we love: Children’s mocktails including passionfruit punch and orange sunrise.
Where: 2a Bouverie Road West, Folkestone. CT20 2RX.
sotiriosfolkestone.com
Make The Bus Café your next stop! This quirky double decker is the perfect way to enjoy breakfast while taking in the views of Margate seafront. The converted 1980 Bristol VR has been converted into an award-winning kitchen and café serving anything from crumpet sliders to sourdough sarnies, as well as veggie and vegan options. Kids bites include bacon bap or sausage bap with ketchup, or a vegan sausage bap. Local suppliers are used where possible.
What we love: Breakfast or brunch on a bus…say no more!
Where: Royal Crescent Promenade, Margate. CT9 5FJ.
thebuscafe.co.uk
Malabar Coffee.
This award-winning independent coffee shop serves its own delicious blend of organic Fairtrade coffee in all three of its shops. Cakes and pastries are sourced from local bakeries to milk and juices from local farms. Local couple Stuart and Julia Baber, say you can’t have a decent coffee house without a decent offering for children so Mini Malabar offers anything from yummy finger sandwiches and lunch boxes to delicious Babyccinos and Babychocos.
What we love: Three bites of the cherry with other sites in Riverhead and the picturesque Riverhill Himalayan Gardens.
Where: 81 High Street, Sevenoaks. TN13 1LE.
malabarcoffee.co.uk
2024 celebrates a decade of this much-loved café. Offering a range of food, it is the themed afternoon teas, also available to children, which has seen its popularity grow. For August, a Toy Story afternoon tea will take you to infinity and beyond and children are priced £15, adults £30. The recent Mary Poppins theme saw options include a “practically perfect plum cake” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” a non-alcoholic miniature rum punch! Booking details and menu options can be found on the website.
What we love: The attention to detail in creating an exciting experience for everyone.
Where: 15 South Court, Deal. CT14 7AF.
thelanedeal.co.uk
Described as a “family-owned gem”, this award-winning traditional family pub and restaurant certainly lives up to its name. The 16th century inn is run by the Selfe family who provide a friendly atmosphere and menus with locally sourced favourites. There’s a good selection on the children’s menu, too, as well as an extensive choice of starters, pub classics, George classics, fish and grill options and 12” woodfired sour dough pizzas, which are available to takeaway.
What we love: Children can let off a little steam in the garden play area.
Where: Taylors Lane, Trottiscliffe. ME19 5DR.
thegeorgekent.co.uk
Bank House.
“Welcome to our house” is the warm greeting from owners, Stuart and Cecilia Gillies, who after having always loved the world of hospitality and restaurants, have brought their experience, energy, their dogs and their children into Bank House. The menu is a mix of modern European cuisine and traditional British fare, all in a relaxed atmosphere. A children’s menu is available all week and private functions can also be catered for.
What we love: There’s lots of events to look out for…well worth signing up to the newsletter.
Where: 11 High Street, Chislehurst. BR7 5AB.
bankhousechislehurst.com
Having been curated by one of the county’s top chefs, this relaxed eatery serves up great food. Children can start the day with a hearty “grill up” breakfast or mini-Benedict while the “vegan up” option consists of smashed avocado, grilled tomatoes and roast field mushroom with granary toast. The lunch menu also has something for all, and Sunday roasts include sirloin of beef, roast Kentish turkey or chestnut mushroom nut roast...accompanied by those all-important trimmings!
What we love: Don’t miss a visit to The Kent Mining Museum based on the site.
Where: Sandwich Road, Deal. CT14 0BF.
betteshanger-park.co.uk
The Tea Rooms.
It’s safe to say this is no ordinary or traditional tearoom but that’s just what owners, Vicki and Natalie, set out to achieve. As well as the tearoom at ground level, a world of mystery and intrigue will leave children (and most probably adults, too!) spellbound in the enchanting wizarding tearoom underground. Described as an “unforgettable experience” it is a magical opportunity and one not to be missed.
What we love: Wizard room packages range in price from apprentice level to wizard level and include entertainment from, yes, you guessed it, a wizard!
Where: 29 Sandgate Road, Folkestone. CT20 1AL.
thetea-rooms.com
The Kentish Horse.
Located on an almost four-acre site, there’s seating for 70 people eating inside but also plenty of space outside. Home-cooked pub food is on the menu with each dish freshly made to order. Children are welcome at the Kentish Horse and under adult supervision, can enjoy the large, fenced off play area with a number of attractions. It’s a place where parents can enjoy a bite to eat while children let off some steam.
What we love: Views over Ashdown Forest make this an idyllic spot for everyone visiting.
Where: Cow Lane, Markbeech. TN8 5NT.
kentishhorsemarkbeech.co.uk
From the atmospheric, beamed rooms to a lighter garden room overlooking the lawn areas, this historic pub really does have it all. The children’s menu has the usual choices popular with youngsters and on Sunday’s there’s a really good selection including roast porchetta with pork and apple stuffing, roast potatoes and veg as well as roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roasties and vegetables. The dessert choice is impressive, too!
What we love: A disused life-size tractor is the star of the show in the outside play area.
Where: Eridge Road, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells. TN3 9JR.
nevillcrestandgun.co.uk
The Fenn Bell Inn.
While it’s a pub, this is not your average public house as it is also home to the Fenn Bell Conservation Project for rescued animals. A much-loved setting, it holds Medway’s first zoo licence and along with the animals which include lemurs, meerkats, otters and many more furry and friendly faces, food and a children’s play area are also on site. Breakfast is available between 10am and 11.30am, with lunch from 11.45am.
What we love: Giving animals a safe and enriching environment and bringing joy to humans, too.
Where: Fenn Street, St Mary Hoo, Rochester. ME3 8RF.
fbcukproject.co.uk
The Tartare Frigate.
One of the only 18th century flint restaurants in the county, this historic venue also boasts stunning views over Viking Bay. Perfect for families it offers some of the best seafood and children can also enjoy some great choices of their own including mini prawn cocktail, battered fish goujons as well as mussels in cream and parsley sauce. Chefs’ specials are also available and on Sundays, a set menu is offered in two settings at 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
What we love: The opportunity for children to try some wonderful seafood.
Where: 37-39 Harbour Street, Broadstairs. CT10 1EU.
tartarfrigate.co.uk
Being child and dog friendly, this community pub has lots to offer alongside its friendly service and warm atmosphere. As well as home cooked food and an excellent range of ales, wines and lagers served daily, there’s also a beer garden, pétanque pistes, baby changing facilities and children’s play area outside. Sports lovers can watch the action on the screens and regular events such as quizzes and live music also take place. Functions are also catered for.
What we love: Children can enjoy two courses for £6 Monday to Sunday.
Where: 32 Church Street, Whitstable. CT5 1PH.
whitstablemonument.co.uk
Waggon at Hale.
This independent pub provides a warm welcome to every member of the family. For adults, it’s a great spot for a pint of ale or a glass of wine, and the food choice is pretty impressive. The children’s menu has hot food options, with the multi-millionaire sundae and cookie dough on the dessert menu, sure to be a hit. Along with the children’s play area, there’s a small animal farm which includes pigs, goats, chickens and rabbits.
What we love: If you have your family pooch in tow, they have their own menu!
Where: 179 Capstone Road, Chatham. ME5 7PP.
waggonathale.com
Rare Breeds Centre.
From the discovery garden, farm animals and butterfly tunnel, the animals at the centre are the stars of the show and it’s certainly a must visit for all the family. Take along a picnic or take advantage of The Granary Restaurant which serves freshly prepared hot and cold meals, snacks and baked goods by the friendly staff including Life Skills students.
What we love: The restaurant is separate from the farm, so there’s no entrance fee if you just want a bite to eat.
Where: Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford. TN26 3RJ.
rarebreeds.org.uk
Stonehouse The Copperfield.
The nation’s favourite meals are just some of the choices offered under one roof. From breakfast, to the popular carvery roasts and pizza, all are perfect for family get togethers and daily deals available make it cost-friendly, too. Menus are available for babies, little eaters and bigger eaters and between Monday to Saturday, a main course and dessert will cost £6.49 (over five’s) and £5.49 (under-five’s), prices may be subject to change with menu changes.
What we love: Pizza parties enable children to become pizza chefs for the day!
Where: Gravesend Road, Shorne. DA12 3JW.
stonehouserestaurants.co.uk
Twig and Spoon.
Located in this well-established family run garden centre, the restaurant is not just a delight in the name but a delight to the eye with its ‘New England’ décor. With a homely atmosphere, high-quality ingredients are sourced directly from locally-based small farms and producers. Children can opt for a Little Twiggies picnic bag or various hot food choices and there’s also children’s afternoon tea for the under 12’s priced £15 per child.
What we love: A choice of specials which change daily.
Where: Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash Lane, Ash, near Sevenoaks. TN15 7EG.
twigandspoon.co.uk
The Dining Rooms at Albion House.
Located in this grand building built in 1791, if you’re taking a family seaside break to Ramsgate this summer, then it’s here you’ll get probably the best views of the town. The clifftop location provides a vantage point over the beach and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Children are catered for with their own menu and adults certainly won’t be disappointed either.
What we love: The hotel offers interconnecting rooms to help make lasting memories for the whole family.
Where: Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate. CT11 8HQ.
albionhouseramsgate.co.uk
The Red Lion.
Quite simply a quintessentially English pub in the Kentish hamlet of Hernhill, this 14th century hall house has all the lovely features to make this a must visit. It’s a perfect spot for family get togethers, or simply a meal out in idyllic surroundings and menus cater well for adults and children alike. Sample menus can be found on the website and booking is recommended to ensure you get the best table.
What we love: Everyone is welcome, from children to the family pooches!
Where: Crockham Lane, Hernhill, Faversham. ME13 9TU.
theredlionhernhill.co.uk
