The Old Monkey
A cheap, friendly Holts pub near Piccadilly Gardens with a kids' menu and high chairs — small, though, and it fills fast.

Chinese · Manchester
A weekday lunch here is a genuinely calm affair — quiet enough that a fidgety toddler won't feel like a spectacle, with a spacious, stylish room that swallows a pram and easily takes a table of ten if you're doing a birthday. High chairs, a kids' menu and vegan options are all sorted, and the staff are the real draw: patient, happy to steer you through a huge menu, and unbothered by families arriving late. The Sichuan and Cantonese cooking is the proper stuff — Yu Xiang shredded pork, crispy fried chicken, Chinese sausage pot rice, and a hotpot and BBQ that older children find genuinely fun. There's a big planet mural to stare at. It isn't cheap, around £14 a dish, and weekends get busy, so book — one visitor calls it a "hidden gem".

A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
A cheap, friendly Holts pub near Piccadilly Gardens with a kids' menu and high chairs — small, though, and it fills fast.
Relaxed all-you-can-eat sushi in Manchester with à la carte and vegan options — easygoing and good value for families.
A buzzy Manchester take-out window serving hefty subs like cheesesteaks and hot honey chicken, well-rated across 1,100-plus reviews.