Life after Pizza Express?

Harry and I have always loved Pizza Express, ever since we managed to make it out of the house when he was just a couple of weeks old and I was a neurotic wreck.

But even us Pizza Express die-hards, were getting a bit bored after the hundredth visit. So where else would welcome us into the bosom of their restaurant. Well as soon as the words “free food for kids on Sundays” were mentioned and it didn’t involve a Whacky Warehouse, it was off to Kro 2 with Granddad Gordo.

As always, I do worry a little when taking Harry to public places as I am no Baby Whisperer. I dread those tantrums which always erupt in the busiest of places, making you want to click your heels and wish there’s no place like home. You can just see the looks from others parents which translate as, “I bet she never watches Super Nanny.”

But boxes are ticked instantly as the waitress at Kro 2 brings Harry over a highchair (one of those wooden ones which are great for toddlers as it makes them think they are sat at the table with the grown ups). To score extra brownie points with both Harry and I, the waitress brings over lots of goodies to entertain (crayons and a menu to colour in).

And with the foresight of someone who knows how children just love to be kept waiting, she whisks back with a drink straight away. All this attention immediately makes Harry happy which in turn makes me less stressed and we start to enjoy a family Sunday lunch, which is a rarity.

Harry was offered the children’s menu which consists of dishes such as penne pasta, bacon wrapped hot dogs or Danish meat balls but if your little one doesn’t fancy anything off the children’s’ menu, Kro will happily allow you a half portion from the main menu. Good news for Harry who had his heart and stomach set on Spaghetti Carbonara.

Obviously we are not talking three rosette dinners at Kro2 especially with Gordo opting for the full English breakfast - sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, tomato, hash browns, mushrooms and toast (£4.95).

This fry up is the perfect hangover cure if the kids have got you up earlier than hoped or in Gordo’s case a night out at the Council’s Irish Festival.

After still desperately trying to shed the excess baby weight after two years I opted for the Vegetable Fajitas - hot spicy mix of vegetables on a sizzling plate served with sour cream, salsa, grated cheese and a flour tortilla (£5.50).

Hot and spicy – they most certainly are. Apart from the overenthusiastic use of garlic, the dish was well presented and great value for money. And as for young H, he wolfed down his Carbonara within ten minutes. There was no room left for the chips we ordered but guzzling Granddad Gordo happily obliged. No wonder that waist line doesn’t seem to be shrinking).

So is Kro2 the new Pizza Express?

Harry and I think so. The waiting on staff are very attentive, even warning you about the chips having black pepper on them just in case your little one wants to opt for plain ones. The facilities are great with the baby change being on the lower floor so no trekking to the upstairs loos. What more can you say about free food for your little munchkins (when adults order theirs) on a Sunday?

And don’t forget that with summer just around the corner you can always take advantage of that fantastic open beer area for a lazy Sunday afternoon for you and your kids.

It’s a George and Harry go go go

Have you got any comments or suggestions about where to take your kids to eat , simply click below to leave your comments!