Giraffe Review

Kids Confidential rating: 12.5/15 Family-friendly service 5/5, Facilities 4/5, Kids Food 3.5/5

BEFORE I had a kid I wouldn't have stepped foot inside the Trafford Centre, let alone eaten there. Why? Because I couldn't comprehend why anyone would want to go somewhere where everything is so convenient, so predictable and so deliberate. A direct import from our American allies I rather wished we had ignored. But my view and perhaps more importantly, my understanding of the place has changed.

Now I admit I've become a regular.

The marble walkways with all their fountains and stage set columns, are part of my life. I can park for free, I don't get wet when it rains, I can buy everything I want from a potty to a Mulberry handbag all under one roof and I can eat anything I fancy, giving me strong odds at getting the toddler to eat something too.

You get a big smile when you walk in even though your accompanied by a mini human time bomb that could trigger without warning.

 It feels like a safe haven for parents and kids are accepted, even revered as they are pushed along in their own bright yellow car shaped carriages. These are things that previously would have struck fear into my out-door, city loving heart (let it be said that the Editor is being sick at all this TC love. Ed).

So, on a recent visit with a hungry tot we had lunch at Giraffe, in the food court.

The restaurant decor has dominant warm orange mixed with browns and off whites. You get a big smile when you walk in even though you’re accompanied by a mini human time bomb that could trigger without warning.

As we sit surrounded by crayons and menus, I notice that there's only one table, in a filled lunch sitting, that doesn't have a child sat at it. The place resembles a school lunch hall on parents’ day – only the food is obviously better. It’s packed with prams and baby bags. Either it was just a coincidence or word has spread about Giraffes kid friendly attitude, I'd imagine it’s the latter.

 The restaurant serves food from around the world but this isn't reflected in the kids menu. It's travelled to America via Italy and landed back in the UK – not that I or little James were bothered by that. The dishes are winners. And there's a kids mid week meal deal: drink and main for £4.75. Perfect.

We ordered crispy chicken strips, sweet corn and fries with a mango mama smoothie for James and a grilled chicken club with crispy potato wedges (£8.95) for me. The food went down well and plates were cleaned. Whilst being distracted by the sauce tray (which has a good hot pepper sauce) I turned back to nibble on my remaining wedges only to find someone had got there first. He beemed with delight as he announced: “They're all gone, the transformer ate them”. The sacrifices we make for kids, eh?

This is a great place for families.

Giraffe, like the Trafford Centre, likes children. It’s got a friendly atmosphere, the adult menu is varied, the kids’ menu is a hit. The staff smile and the facilities are clean. It gets a thumbs up from our family, including the greedy transformer.

Giraffe
The Trafford Centre
136 The Orient
Manchester
M17 8EQ
Tel: 0161 747 2100