Child friendly eateries within five minutes’ walk from a station
We’re blessed in Merseyside and Cheshire with an absolute plethora of fantastic restaurants, but if you’re travelling to them with kids then there’s one non-negotiable factor; they need to be near a train station to save a lovely meal turning sour on the journey home when little legs get tired.
Fortunately, the region’s restaurateurs have got it covered. From Aigburth to West Kirby, there are plenty of eateries located within five minutes’ walk of a station, and we’ve rounded up the best of them. So, check out what’s on offer, pick your station, and book your table, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be just a hop, skip and a jump away from the train journey home.
La Parrilla, South Road, Waterloo
With mini sombreros, plenty of ‘happy birthday’ sing-alongs and clapping, and a huge fuss made of little ones by the friendly and enthusiastic staff, this Mexican restaurant down the lively South Road in Waterloo is a big hit with children. There’s even a ‘Little Gringo’ menu, with two courses for £6.95 featuring dishes such as nachos and soup for starters and meatballs and fajitas for mains. Parents will love the authentic Mexican menu and the deals on offer - including an early bird menu with two courses for £13.95.
Nearest station: Waterloo
Walking distance: Three minutes
Et Alia, Aigburth Road, Aigburth
The stylish Italian Et Alia is a popular choice for families with young children, and that’s largely down to the warm welcome given to them by the staff. Like most other restaurants, you won’t find much in the way of distractions here for the children, but what you will find is an accommodating team willing to go the extra mile for customers and a lovely ‘Bambino’ menu for those under ten, featuring the usual Italian dishes of pizza and pasta and ice cream for dessert – all for £4.95. If your child can’t yet manage a meal of their own, staff will provide extra plates so they can share yours, and gluten-free diets can be catered for as well, with pizza and pasta dishes made with gluten-free flour on request.
Nearest station: Aigburth
Walking distance: Five minutes
Stollies Café and Deli, Wallasey Village
When you walk into a café and find it boasts a snug area with children’s toys, you know you’re onto a winner before you’ve even looked at the menu. With a relaxed atmosphere and a shabby chic décor, Stollies is the perfect haven for parents in need of a hot drink, a nice meal, and staff who understand how to keep kids happy. Children’s dishes include ‘Mini Carnivore’ and ‘Mini Herbivore’ breakfasts, along with Mini Mac and Cheese and Margarita pizza, and cost £4 including a carton of apple or orange juice. Parents, meanwhile, can feast on delights such as Gingerbread Granola from the breakfast menu and gourmet burgers, a range of nacho dishes and Scouse. And if you want to return without the kids, there’s a sophisticated evening menu too.
Nearest station: Wallasey Village
Walking distance: Five minutes
Piri Piri, Railway Road, Ormskirk
With accommodating staff and food that wins rave reviews from its customers, it’s little wonder that this child-friendly Portugese restaurant in the historic market town of Ormskirk has amassed a loyal following. While Piri Piri is quite rightly famous for its chicken, there is also an impressive range of seafood dishes which act as a nod to Portugal’s fishing history. Ask staff to talk you through what’s on offer for children, then sit back and enjoy the intimate setting while the staff work their magic to create a lovely family dining experience.
Nearest station: Ormskirk
Walking distance: Five minutes
Bistrot Vérité, Liverpool Road, Birkdale Village
When it comes to special occasion dining, finding somewhere that offers extraordinary food in a child-friendly environment can be challenging, to say the least. But this authentic French-style restaurant is, in the words of the AA Restaurant Guide, “the essence of a neighbourhood bistro” – which means high quality meals offered up in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The children’s menu is accessible too, with dishes ranging from Chicken Goujons to Pasta with Smoked Bacon & Cheese – and an impressive Fresh Mussels Marinier thrown in for good measure. Admittedly, it’s not cheap; the Menu Des Enfants offers two courses for £8.50 while adults’ mains from the Dinner menu start at £14, but for a celebratory meal you can take the children to, it’s a price worth paying.
Nearest station: Birkdale
Walking distance: One minute
Figo’s Mediterranean Kitchen, Grange Road, West Kirby
If you’re looking for a taste of the Med somewhere closer to home, then Figo’s is the answer. It’s not just the cheerful staff and laid-back atmosphere that transport you to sunnier climes; the menu is bursting with Mediterranean dishes with a Turkish touch including Chicken Guvech, Kiremette Peynirli Tavuk, and Salmon Marroo. In fact, the menu is extensive, with vegetarian options, salads, and, at lunchtime, burgers too. Waiting staff are more than accommodating to little diners, so ask for the children’s menu and enjoy a virtual trip to the Med for a couple of hours or so.
Nearest station: West Kirby
Walking distance: Five minutes
