Eating with kids in London

Elizabeth, near the Tower my teenaged daughter and I grabbed takeaway sandwiches from one of those sandwich shops - I think it was E.A.T. She got nice ham and cheese on a baguette; I got salmon on brown bread. Near the Churchill War Rooms we ate at the Lord Moon of the Mall pub, which Rick mentions; it was a bit smoky at the front and we had to wait for a table for 4, but the food was reasonable in taste and price. I know we ate near the British Museum but can't remember where; I think Rick gives a nearby street with lots of good ethnic food places. Have a great time!

When we came out of the Tower of London. I asked two bobbies, "Is there a place nearby to get some basic pub grub? Nothing fancy." They gave us direction for a two block walk to a pub with excellent food at a great price. You can do the same thing anywhere. Kids are always fine. Order at the bar when you go in and find a seat. I typically ask a local for decent and cheap eating. My favorite is Steak and Kidney Pie. It's like eating a Beef Pot Pie only with excellent ingredients baked fresh. An alternative is Fish and Chips but the Brits really like it greasy.

Pizza Express has locations all over London. Very good personal pizzas, pasta and salads with white tablecloth service at reasonable prices.

Yo Sushi! also has locations all over London. The whole food rolling by on a conveyor belt is a novelty for children and it's fun (dishes are color coded, eat what you want and they total it up when you are done). They don't just have raw seafood - they offer tempura battered shrimp and chicken, fried rice, california rolls, etc. for those that prefer their food cooked.

For locations, menus and prices, both chains have websites that you can refer to.

Panton Street (near Theatre District & Picadilly Circus) has a lot of cheap restaurants. Stockpot and West End Kitchen (both mentioned in RS London book) are really cheap-food is ok, but no great shakes.

If the weather is good, I'd head for Marks & Spencer's food hall and get a pre-packed meal to go and picnic.

From the Churchill Museum, walk the not-too-far distance on to Trafalgar Square and you can eat inexpensively at Cafe in the Crypt at Church of St. Martin in the Fields. I've always enjoyed going there. There are several pizza places, quick sandwich style places like Pret a Manger and even a Subway right around Trafalgar Square. Depending on when you will be there (hopefully when it's a little warmer) your kids might like just eating something outside while exploring the fountains and lions of Trafalgar Square, a place I just enjoy being to say to myself, 'Yep, I'm in London all right!' :-)