Top 5 Family-Friendly Cafes with Baby Facilities in Covent Garden
Looking for baby-friendly cafes in Covent Garden? Here are the top 5 spots that cater to parents with young children, offering features like baby-changing facilities, high chairs, stroller space, and kid-friendly menus:
- Henrietta: Upscale dining with private tables for nursing, baby-changing facilities, and high chairs (limited buggy space).
- Joe Allen: Spacious layout, kids’ menu (free kids’ meal with adult main), and activity sheets for children.
- Maxwell’s Bar and Grill: American diner with clean baby-changing facilities, plenty of high chairs, and a budget-friendly kids’ menu.
- Cafe Pacifico: Mexican restaurant with a relaxed vibe, stroller-friendly layout, and high chairs (but no baby-changing room).
- Gaucho – Covent Garden: Fine dining with baby-changing facilities, Stokke high chairs, and a kids’ menu featuring mini steaks.
Quick Comparison
| Cafe | Baby-Changing | High Chairs | Stroller Space | Kids’ Menu | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henrietta | Yes | Limited | Limited | No | Upscale and private |
| Joe Allen | Yes | Plenty | Spacious | Free kids’ meal with adult main | Relaxed and welcoming |
| Maxwell’s Bar & Grill | Yes | Plenty | Spacious | Affordable combo meals | Cozy, family-friendly |
| Cafe Pacifico | No | Plenty | Roomy | Mexican dishes for kids | Casual and vibrant |
| Gaucho | Yes | Stokke-style | Spacious | Mini steaks (£10-15) | Elegant yet family-friendly |
These cafes make dining with kids easier while offering great food and service. Plan your visit during off-peak hours for a smoother experience, and use tools like BubbaMaps to locate baby-changing facilities nearby.
10 Best Places to Eat Out With Kids in London
1. Henrietta
Henrietta in Covent Garden strikes a balance between sophistication and practicality for parents dining out with little ones. Located within the boutique Henrietta Hotel, this spot combines upscale dining with features designed to make life easier for families.
Parents will find baby-changing facilities downstairs, accessible by a lift through the reception area. While high chairs are provided, they may not be ideal for very young babies, and space for buggies is limited. For nursing mothers, private tables offer a more comfortable and discreet option.
Here’s a quick overview of what Henrietta offers:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Baby-Changing | Located downstairs, lift accessible |
| High Chairs | Available but not ideal for young infants |
| Buggy Space | Limited; opt for either a buggy or chair |
| Nursing-Friendly | Private tables available |
| Kids’ Menu | Not offered |
Emily Lawler from The Mother-Hood says: "Henrietta ticks all the boxes for excellent food and almost all the boxes for child-friendliness".
If you plan to visit, requesting a secluded table can provide added privacy when dining with a baby. While Henrietta offers a polished and accommodating experience, nearby spots like Joe Allen provide more casual alternatives in Covent Garden.
2. Joe Allen
Since 1977, Joe Allen has been a go-to spot in Covent Garden, offering a warm and inviting space perfect for families with babies and young children. The restaurant’s spacious design, complete with cozy booths, makes it easy for families to navigate with strollers or find a private corner for nursing mothers. With its walls adorned with theatrical memorabilia, Joe Allen strikes a balance between elegance and a family-friendly vibe.
Here’s what families can look forward to at Joe Allen:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Kids’ Menu | One free kids’ meal with every adult main course ordered |
| Entertainment | Activity sheets included with kids’ meals |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed and welcoming, ideal for families |
| Price Range | Average £26-£40 per person |
| Location | Central Covent Garden, easy to reach |
The kids’ menu includes popular choices like cheeseburgers and comes with activity sheets to keep little ones entertained. The staff is known for being attentive and accommodating, ensuring a stress-free meal for parents with young children.
"Joe Allen has mastered the art of making both parents and children feel welcome", says a recent review.
For a smoother experience, try visiting during quieter times when the staff can offer even more personalized service. While Joe Allen is a great mix of sophistication and family comfort, those seeking a livelier setting might want to check out Maxwell’s Bar and Grill.
3. Maxwell’s Bar and Grill
Maxwell’s Bar and Grill has been a go-to spot in Covent Garden since the early 1980s, offering a warm and family-friendly dining experience. This American-style diner is perfectly set up for families with young children, making it a favorite for parents in the area.
Here’s what makes it a great choice for families:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Baby Facilities | Clean and convenient changing facilities |
| Seating Options | High chairs readily available |
| Space Layout | Two spacious floors with plenty of room |
| Outdoor Seating | Ideal for those who prefer dining outside |
| Kids’ Menu | Budget-friendly options, including a main, side, and dessert |
The restaurant’s quiet atmosphere and comfy seating make it an inviting place for families. The staff are attentive and accommodating, ensuring that dining with little ones is as stress-free as possible. Plus, the menu caters to a variety of tastes, all while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
"The venue has a cosy feel to it and is spread over two floors so is deceptively spacious", shared a recent reviewer, appreciating how well the space works for families.
It’s worth noting that Maxwell’s gets busier during pre-theatre hours. Visiting outside of these peak times allows for a calmer dining experience. While Maxwell’s shines with its spacious setup and classic diner feel, Cafe Pacifico offers a lively, Mexican-inspired alternative for family dining in Covent Garden.
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4. Cafe Pacifico
Cafe Pacifico, one of London’s oldest Mexican restaurants, adds a lively touch to Covent Garden’s family dining options. Perfect for families looking for a casual, welcoming spot, it combines a vibrant Mexican vibe with family-friendly features, making it easy for parents to enjoy a flavorful meal.
| Family-Friendly Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | Spacious dining area with room for strollers |
| Seating | Plenty of high chairs available |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed and casual |
| Peak Hours | Quieter during weekday lunches |
| Menu Options | Mexican dishes tailored for kids |
While the restaurant provides helpful family amenities, it does fall short in offering extras like a dedicated family room for baby-changing. Parents can use BubbaMaps to find over 100 verified baby-changing spots nearby across London.
The ground-floor setup is stroller-accessible, though it can feel a bit tight during busy dinner hours. Families might find weekday lunches a better time to visit, as it’s less crowded. The staff is accommodating, helping with seating arrangements and even warming bottles when needed.
"The venue offers a casual dining experience that works well for families, especially during quieter lunch periods", shared a recent visitor, praising the laid-back vibe.
For those in the mood for Mexican flavors in a relaxed setting, Cafe Pacifico is a great choice. Up next, Gaucho – Covent Garden offers a more refined family dining experience.
5. Gaucho – Covent Garden
Gaucho in Covent Garden combines fine Argentine dining with thoughtful touches that make it a great spot for families. Despite its upscale vibe, the restaurant ensures parents and kids feel welcome.
| Family Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| Baby-Changing | Convenient facilities on the ground floor |
| High Chairs | Stokke-style chairs available |
| Stroller Space | Spacious layout for easy navigation |
| Kids’ Menu | Meals priced at £10-15, including mini steaks |
| Peak Times | Quieter before 6 PM on weekdays |
The ground floor is roomy enough for strollers, and the baby-changing facilities are clean and easy to access. Staff are attentive, helping with bottle warming and offering seating options that work well for nursing mothers. Families with babies will appreciate the spacious booths, which provide extra privacy and comfort.
The kids’ menu, priced between £10-15, features high-quality meals with generous portions – perfect for special family outings. For a calmer dining experience, aim to visit before 6 PM on weekdays when the restaurant is less busy and offers better lighting for parents managing younger children.
"The venue strikes an impressive balance between maintaining its sophisticated ambiance and catering to families with young children", says a recent Google review. The restaurant boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating.
If you’re looking for a place that combines elegance with family-friendly features, Gaucho is a top pick in Covent Garden.
Additional Resources for Parents
BubbaMaps is a free app designed to help parents locate over 100 verified baby-changing facilities across London. From cafes and restaurants to public spaces, this app ensures you’re always prepared while exploring Covent Garden.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Over 100 verified locations in London |
| Location Types | Cafes, restaurants, museums, public spaces |
| Key Functions | Navigation, user reviews, facility ratings |
| Accessibility | Free app available on iOS & Android |
Beyond just locating facilities, BubbaMaps offers reviews and ratings, so you can check the quality of a spot before heading there. Its easy-to-use interface makes navigating Covent Garden with your family a breeze.
Pro tip: Check BubbaMaps ahead of time to find nearby facilities and have backup options ready during your visit.
For more planning help, consider Baby-Friendly London, which provides curated family activity guides, and London Baby, a resource for seasonal events and attractions perfect for families with young children.
With BubbaMaps and our list of family-friendly cafes, you can enjoy Covent Garden without added stress, making it a great spot for parents and kids alike.
Conclusion
Taking your baby out to eat in Covent Garden has become much simpler, thanks to these family-oriented cafes. These spots show how the right amenities can make dining with little ones enjoyable while still offering top-notch service and food.
Henrietta and Joe Allen stand out for their ability to balance great food with family-friendly perks. Henrietta provides an upscale dining vibe with baby facilities, while Joe Allen offers a laid-back setting along with activities to keep kids entertained.
Here are some practical tips to make your visit smoother:
| Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Aim for off-peak hours to avoid crowds |
| Seating | Ask for a private or quieter area |
| Planning | Double-check for baby facilities in advance |
| Backup | Use BubbaMaps to find alternative spots |
Pairing these tips with the right cafes makes family dining in Covent Garden a breeze. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying a full meal, these venues, along with tools like BubbaMaps, ensure your outing is both comfortable and stress-free.
