The Kitchen For Families, John Lewis, Review

Kids Confidential rating: 12/15
Family-friendly service 4/5, Facilities 4/5, Kids Food 4/5

THERE'S something rather naughty about an impromptu lunch; nipping out to buy a present for your sons approaching birthday and ending up eating your own weight in food. But whilst I sit surrounded by shopping bags and guilt, I feel content.

 The Kitchen is a new restaurant at John Lewis in Cheadle. The retailer that's become a haven for the aspirational middle-class know their market, of course they do, they own it. First came the rather confusing strapline, then came the sickeningly sentimental advert that brought tears to the eyes of even a self proclaimed ice queen like me.

John Lewis, Cheadle is 'knowing' its market and moving with the times. It's currently undergoing a multimillion pound refurbishment. The changes affect the entire store with no floor left untouched by the designers magical wand, making you want things you know you don't need. There's a new spa area, expressor bar, technology department, toy department - the list goes on.

The Kitchen restaurant is part of this overhaul, tapping into the lucrative market of hungry shoppers.

 The restaurant is open, bright and spacious, easily accessible even with a large double pram - as we witnessed. Tables and staff are neatly uniformed. Muted blues and greys sit with splashes of red. The chefs are visible behind the glistening open kitchen. It looks good and feels relaxed.

 A smile leads us to a booth table. We're not the only customers and many of the tables have children sitting at them.

The restaurant has a good kids menu, £5.95 for two courses including a drink. James had chicken goujons with chips followed by a dessert of colourful fruit. The chicken was moist, the chips were fluffy and the fruit was sweet. We ordered a carbonara and an Aberdeen Angus burger with chips.

The thing about John Lewis that sets it apart from other retailers is the customer service and this ethos spreads smoothly over to the restaurant like warm butter on hot toast. Everything here has been thought about and is graciously delivered. Food is simple, freshly made and generously portioned.

A sign on the table tells us that all accessories, fixtures and fittings in the restaurant are available in store: Mr Lewis is always thinking commercially.

That reminds me, I really need a Dualit stainless steel frothing jug...

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The Kitchen
John Lewis
Wilmslow Road
Cheadle
Cheshire
SK8 3BZ

01614 914 914