Best Places to Eat with Kids in Oxfordshire


As spring approaches and more families get out and about, have you wondered where the best places to eat with kids in Oxfordshire are?

When the weather is sunny there’s nothing better than a picnic in one of the many City centre parks and green spaces.  But when you can’t guarantee the weather, where do you take the kids for either a swift sandwich or a hot lunch?

Here’s nine of the Best Places to Eat with kids in Oxfordshire

Great for something different…  Thaikhun

Thaikhum Oxford Childrens Menu photo courtesy of Mummyshire Blog E

 If you want a talking point and good food try Thaikhun in Oxford.  Pronounced ‘Ty-coon’ this restaurant serves delicious Thai street food & offers a more sedate, spice-free children’s menu.

You’ll be transported into a street café in Bangkok, as the restaurant has graffiti walls, mix n’ match chairs, a giant Buddha at the entrance and funny signs & nik-naks even in the bathrooms!  Very authentic.

For added drama, children are given a dish of deep-fried Silk Worms – a Thai delicacy.  Crunch if you dare!

Thaikhun.  36 George Street, Oxford.  OX1 2BJ.  

Great for chocolate lovers…Rumsey’s,  Thame.  

Rumsey's Thame Cafe Lollipop Making
Lollipop Making at Rumsey’s

 

wonderful, cosy coffee shop in the historic market town of Thame – it’s perfect for this time of year.

You may recognise Rumsey’s from its numerous appearances in ITV’s Oxfordshire based Midsummer Murders!

Rumsey’s serves sandwiches, soups but its USP is its handmade chocolate, which is made & sold on site.  Don’t leave without enjoying a hot chocolate here!

Look out for its  ‘Chocolate making’ sessions for kids that run during school holidays, generally suitable for kids aged 5+.

Rumsey’s.  8 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER. 

Great for City Centre relaxing … St. Ebbe’s Kitchen @ Modern Art, Oxford

Museum of modern art oxford food selection
St. Ebbe’s Cafe, Modern Art, Oxford

 

This art museum café is very welcoming to children and is a perfect stop-off when in town.  The museum itself is fun to whiz around before relaxing in the colourful, laid-back café.  It has lovely high ceilings so it’s light and airy, but there are enough nooks and quieter spots if you prefer.

For the children there is a kid’s lunchbox option, where the children can mix & match to suit them. The main menu usually includes at least one soup, a 3-4 paninis options as well as lots of cakes.  The big portions are great for sharing.

St Ebbe’s Kitchen, MA, Oxford.  30 Pembroke Street, Oxford.  OX1 1BP 

Great for locally grown food…Huffkins Bakery and Tea Rooms

 Huffkins Bakery and tea room photo courtesy of Queen of Collage

Huffkins, Burford. Photos of Huffkins & Queen of Collage

 

Found in Burford & Witney, Huffkins Bakery & Tea Rooms is perfect for a light lunch or dinner with little ones.

An independent family-owned business it prides itself on serving food reared & produced by local, Oxfordshire suppliers.  It even has its own craft bakery which works through the night in order to serve fresh breads each day.

It has an extensive menu with something for everyone, as well as a dedicated children’s menu offering a highly recommended scrambled eggs with soldiers.

Huffkins Bakery & Tea Rooms, 98 and 96 High Street,  Burford. OX18 4QF
Huffkins Bakery & Tea Rooms, 35 High St, Witney.  OX28 6HP

Great for family groups & public transport… The Jam Factory 

The Jam Factory Oxford Photo courtesy of The Jam Factory

This gallery restaurant is a great stopping off point if you’re using Oxford’s bus or train stations.

This light, laid-back café is so spacious, especially in its café section, which is good news if you have a pram or pushchair to negotiate.  It’s often busy with other parents with young children so you’ll be in good company.  If your older one requires distraction with a phone or tablet there’s also free WiFi!

If offers local, organic food & fast.  The kids menu ranges from mini burgers to falafels with Houmas, plus pudding, all for a fiver.  Good value for money without scrimping on quality.

The Jam Factory.  Hollybush Row, 26 Park End Street, OX1 1HU

Great for a walk along the river…The Perch Inn

The Perch in Oxford view from the Garden Photo courtesy of Over40andaMumtoone
Photo courtesy of Mary at Over40andamumtoone blog

 

This is a restaurant with a view & a good walk.  Dating back to the 17th century it’s one of Oxford’s oldest pubs.  Although it’s a few minutes’ walk away from the city centre, The Perch is situated on a quiet lane on the banks of the River Thames.

This restaurant is perfect for a Sunday lunch, and no too expensive, with a dedicated children’s menu available 7 days a week.

Either eat inside in its spacious setting, or outside under the covered terrace or the garden.  The once you’ve been fed and watered, follow the pathway through the garden to Port Meadows.  A beautiful setting and a nice, gentle walk along the riverbank.  You can walk from Wolvercote to Jericho on the very edge of the city centre through Port Meadows, with Binsey and the Perch in the middle.

The Perch Inn, Binsey.  Oxford, OX2 0NG.   Tel: 01865 728891

Great for Pizza…Mamma Mia, Summertown

Mamma mia Summertown Oxford photo courtesy of Oxford Times

For authentic, Italian pizza you can’t get much better than the Summertown branch of Mamma Mia Pizzeria.

With its exposed brick walls & chequered tablecloths, this place offers a lovely, warm welcome.  It is family friendly, and you’ll always find lots of other parents with children inside.  However, please note it doesn’t have any baby changing facilities.

Visit during lunchtime, Monday to Thursday, to take advantage of its fixed price menu.

Mamma Mia Summertown.  8 South Parade, Oxford.  OX2 7JL.

Great value for money… The Crisis Skylight Café, Old Fire Station

Crisis Skylight Cafe Oxford photo courtesy of Freedom Bakery
Crisis Skylight Cafe Oxford photo courtesy of Freedom Bakery

 

For a cheap and cheerful coffee stop or light lunch you can’t beat the Crisis Skylight Café.

It’s menu isn’t extensive but it covers all the bases – from daily specials, jacket potatoes, a range of sandwiches & the infamous fireman’s all-day breakfast.  Despite the low cost, the portions are sizeable and the serving staff will tailor the dishes to suit your little one’s needs.  It’s a bright and breezy location, the staff are super friendly and all of the café’s revenue goes to the national homeless charity, Crisis.

The Crisis Skylight Café, Old Fire Station.  40 George Street, OX1 2AQ.  Closed on Sundays

Great for Sunday lunch…The Fat Fox, Watlington

The Fat Fox in Watlington Photos courtesy of Over40andamumtoone
The Fat Fox in Watlington Photos courtesy of Over40andamumtoone

 

This pub restaurant is situated in the town with ample parking space, and if it’s still cold in half term you may find the log fire is still burning.

This is a great spot for Sunday lunch as The Fat Fox is renowned for its roasts and hearty food.  There is no set child’s menu but all of the dishes can be ordered & tailored to children.  All children’s meals cost £7.  Perfect if your little one is one the fussy side!

The staff are attentive, but not fussy, and the atmosphere is welcoming and family friendly.  Certainly one to check out if you’re in South Oxfordshire.

The Fat Fox.  13 Shirburn Street.  Watlington.  OX49 5BU

Where would you add to the list?

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2 Comments


  1. Thaikhun is also really really great if you have some dietary requirements that make eating out kinda awkward oftentimes

    Reply

    1. Ah yes, I’ve not been there yet, but I’ve heard positive things

      Reply

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