Guest post by Louise Hickford.
After attending Create restaurant’s first kids event (cupcake decorating – a resounding success) a fortnight ago all four of us were eagerly anticipating our visit on Saturday 18th February when we were promised a foodie art attack.
Jess was in charge, greeted us at the door and was an instant hit with Archie (5) and Violet (2) who shoved her hand into Jess’s to be led up to the mezzanine level overlooking the main restaurant . Archie was pleased to see Charles, son of executive chef Richard Walton-Allen, again. These kid-centric events were his idea in response to the various tasting sessions held for adults.
Creating a bespoke chef’s hat was the first activity. The kids were settled at a long table laden with paints, glue, glitter, plasticine and feathers and some exuberant work emerged. Meanwhile, adults were free to sneak over to a table and be plied with coffee & freshly baked pastries. The chance to open the paper, whilst devouring one of Create’s warm almond cakes, is the worth the trip alone.
Chef’s hats complete and moustaches drawn on to match that of Jess, the kids lined up for a visit down to the kitchen. Fresh ingredients assembled on the pass and the chance to talk to a real chef engaged them with the business of the restaurant, however the biggest draw had to be the plate of flapjack.
Back upstairs the next task was to replicate a favourite meal on paper plates. There was only one contender for V, beans on toast – plasticine beans, cardboard toast. Arch plumped for Spaghetti – curly string and lots of red paint.
12.30, time to leave, and we were presented with boxes of brownies and parkin to enjoy at home. Jess disappeared to remove her moustache and get ready for service. But… the kids wanted to stay for lunch and who were we to argue?! The children’s menu is safe enough to please a fussy eater whilst steering clear of standard ‘nugget’ fare. V thankfully didn’t notice that there were no beans on offer and ordered cheesy omelette. A surprised us by opting for butternut squash risotto from the ‘grown up’ menu. Followed by a Banana Split. Fish pie with pickled cucumber and salt beef with mash went down a treat on the other side of the table. V pronounced that she wasn’t ever leaving and snuggled down under a large linen napkin.
It’s a great balance. The kids are looked after and entertained with well-prepared activities. The adults can relax and feel a little spoiled on the side-lines, though getting involved in the fun is practically irresistible. The staff are warm, friendly and enthusiastic and everyone feels welcome in a restaurant that there is a real buzz about.
Create where good food and (small) people matter.
This event ran on Saturday 18th February 11-12.30. £4.95 per child, adults free.
Create run special events and tastings regularly on Saturday mornings. The next one specifically for children is on Saturday 17th March with a Mother’s Day theme. Have a look on the Create website for more information.
I’m Lou. Mum to Archie 5 and Violet 2, wife and dining companion to Andy. I love exciting food and good design. I tweet mostly on these themes @louhickford