Tips for family-friendly dining this summer

Here are our top tips for making families feel welcome and cared for in the hospitality sector this summer.  

As soon as the schools break up in July, restaurants, cafés, hotels and pubs all across the country prepare for an influx of young visitors and their families, seeking refreshment on their summer adventures.  

However, catering for children these days is not quite as straightforward as plating up some chicken nuggets and chips. Modern parents and carers are on the hunt for exciting, diverse menus to expand their mini diners’ palettes - as well as options that suit a range of dietary requirements, while also offering lots of added nutritional value. 

Here are 5 tips to make this challenge a little easier on your teams, which should lead to increased spend, glowing reviews and return custom.

1. Make it clear online that you have great facilities for families, as well as a separate kids menu. This will help families pick your establishment over a competitor – think space for buggies, plenty of highchairs and ample, accessible changing facilities.  
   
   
2. Have fun with plating up – the more interesting a dish looks, the more likely small children will be to tuck in and eat it. So, get creative and have some fun! 
   

3. Exciting, diverse menus will help to expand mini diners’ palettes and appeal to modern families, so consider including a mini poké bowl, mild curry or taco dish with the usual pasta and pizza favourites.  

4. Make sure your staff are well trained when it comes to catering for young families; offering to bring out children’s food first, keeping hot drinks and cutlery out of reach of small hands and offering crayons and games at the table are all a huge help to creating a more relaxing experience.



5. Offer small portions of adult dishes as a simple way to expand your menu for young diners – and make them feel more grown up, too. Generally speaking, beans on toast and chicken nuggets and chips will no longer cut it.