Smart restaurants to take your baby
It doesn't have to be McDonald's. Try Sunday lunchtime, when families are expected anywhere, and choose somewhere noisy, where your little ones won't be the only voices. One couple apparently dined at The Ivy with their child asleep in a carrycot in the cloakroom. Oh, and if you can get a table, The Ivy is happy to do children's portions.
La Portes des Indes, W1 (020 7224 0055). Palatial Indian restaurant near Marble Arch, will do chicken and chips (not on the menu) if you ask nicely.
Bank, WC2 (020 7234 3344). Smart, modern brasserie, noisy enough to swallow up wailing, and Sunday brunch is kids' time, with a play area and colouring books.
Zafferano, SW1 (020 7235 5800). London's hottest Italian, where youngsters are "positively welcome".
Julie's, W11 (020 7229 8331). Well known as a romantic haunt for grown-ups, but on Sundays at lunchtime, there's a crèche too.
The River Cafè, W6 (020 7381 8824). Possibly the most "pukka" restaurant to make a feature of encouraging little ones.
Kenwood House Brewhouse, NW3 (020 8341 5384). The cafeteria has a large outside area, good for after a walk on Hampstead Heath.
Chez Bruce, SW17 (020 8672 0114). Ask in advance and they can place you at a table where baby won't be disturbed - and they'll happily heat up bottles.
Tate Modern, SE1 (020 7401 5020) Both the restaurant on level seven and the café on level two have highchairs and are non-smoking.
