I adore cooking and find it so comforting to be in the kitchen, creating meals that me and my family will actually sit down and eat without too much fuss. But even though cooking is a big part of my life, there’s something truly special about stepping into a restaurant, letting someone else do all the work, and simply enjoying the moment with my two little ones.

Why Eating Out Matters

For me, food has never just been about what’s on the plate. It’s the whole experience. The smell of freshly baked bread as you walk through the door, the clink of glasses, and the buzz of conversation all around you. Some of my happiest memories are tied to restaurants, from birthday dinners with cake and balloons to those spontaneous meals where you stumble into a hidden gem and end up having the best night.

Dining Down South

Living in the south, I feel really lucky to have such a wide choice of restaurants nearby. Whether I want a traditional pub with hearty comfort food or a modern spot serving up something creative, there’s always an option. And the best part is that the UK restaurant scene has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade. You don’t have to travel to London for exciting food anymore. From village pubs with a twist to small family-run bistros, there’s so much variety right on our doorstep.

Eating Out with Kids

Of course, eating out looks a little different now that I have children. Gone are the days when I could sit happily through a long tasting menu without worrying about bedtimes or crayons on the floor. These days, I’m drawn to places that welcome children without hesitation. Highchairs, space to park a buggy, and menus that actually appeal to kids make such a difference. When my two feel included and looked after, the whole meal runs so much more smoothly.

I really appreciate restaurants that put thought into their children’s food. Offering smaller portions of the main dishes or healthier options always wins points in my book. My two love it when they feel like they’re eating the same as the adults rather than being fobbed off with plain chips.

UK Restaurant Scene

What I love most about the UK dining scene now is the mix. One weekend you can tuck into a perfectly cooked Sunday roast, and the next you might be enjoying fragrant Thai curry or delicate sushi. The diversity makes family meals more exciting, and it’s nice to know the kids are being exposed to different flavours and cultures through food.

Making Planning Easier

I don’t always have the time to scroll through endless reviews or menus when I’m planning a family meal. That’s why I find sites like Square Meal so useful. It makes it so much quicker to find somewhere that works for everyone, whether that’s a casual lunch spot or somewhere for a special celebration.

Sneaking Away Without the Kids

On the rare occasion I get to head out without the children, I love to treat myself to somewhere a bit more sophisticated. A glass of wine, a beautifully presented plate of food, and the luxury of not having to cut anyone else’s dinner feels like such a treat. Food always tastes better when you can sit back and really relax.

The beauty of UK restaurants today is that they truly offer the best of both worlds. There are family friendly spots where the kids can feel welcome and adventurous restaurants where parents can enjoy something a little different. Eating out is about so much more than feeding ourselves. It’s about celebrating the people we’re with, creating memories, and finding a little bit of joy in the everyday.