A few years ago, you could count the number of child-friendly restaurants in the UK on one hand. Happily things are now very different, with many chains and independent restaurants actively courting the family market. We've hand-picked our favourite places around the country, but would welcome your input. If you think we've missed out a real family gem, let us and other parents know here.

The Blue Kangaroo, London
This central London restaurant has become very popular because of its integral downstairs play area. Parents can choose to eat here or in the restaurant which has a big screen with live link to the play area. ‘Staff should be taken out and... canonised,’ said The Guardian.
We like: the fact that the chicken nuggets are made with organic chicken
Where: The Kings Road, Chelsea, London
Price: £4.95 for a main course and drink
Click here for The Blue Kangaroo website.

The Bridge Inn, Ratho
One of Scotland’s most-lauded pub for family-friendliness, The Bridge Inn has an extensive children’s menu balancing pizza and cheeseburgers with corn-on-the-cob and melon cocktail. There are child-changing facilities, highchairs and an outdoors playground.
We like: that the fish and chips on the menu is fresh haddock, locally sourced
Where: Ratho, just by the Union Canal, 5 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.
Price: £3.50 for two courses.
Click here for The Bridge Inn website.

Frizzante at Hackney City Farm
Surrounded by animals this may be the perfect place to explain where food comes from…or maybe choose the vegetarian breakfast instead! This city farm’s café won the Time Out Best Family Restaurant 2004 for its organic food and lively atmosphere.
We like: the laid-back atmosphere and all the entertainment of the farm
Where: Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmith's Row, E2 8QA
Price: Ultra-thin children’s pizzas - £2.50
Click here for the Frizzante website.

Giraffe, London
Voted Best For Kids in the 2005 Observer Food Monthly Awards; ‘Giraffe is that rare British beast, the family-friendly restaurant which manages not to scare off the young and childless.’
We like: the space for buggies, the emphasis on fresh and healthy food.
Where: [London-only] Battersea, Chiswick, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Marylebone, Muswell Hill, Richmond
Price: Any main, plus ice-cream and juice, 12-3pm, Monday to Friday - £4.95
Click here for the Giraffe website.

King’s Head, Letheringsett
Winner of countless awards, this Norfolk pub has a massive garden complete with child-sized Norman castle and toddler toys. There’s an extensive children’s menu complete with jam sandwiches and homemade baby food. If the weather’s bad, head indoors to the playroom with snooker and table football.
We like: their accommodation of special diets from gluten-free to diabetic.
Where: Letheringsett, North Norfolk
Price: Sandwiches start at a bargain basement £1.10.
Click here for the King's Head website.

Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack, Brighton
A Brighton landmark, Momma Cherri’s offers soul food and sustenance to families in off the beach. There’s a separate kids menu with the usual children fare. The Junior Soul Burger and all plates come with a small salad, fruit and corn on the cob.
We like: the massive, gut-filling portions. Starve yourself before a visit!
Where: 11 Little East Street, Brighton
Price: £5.50 before 6pm for meal, fries, salad and corn on the cob.
Click here for the Momma Cherri's website.

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Have you got a favourite family-friendly restaurant that we've missed out? Click here to tell us and other parents about it.