Thai · Manchester
A Deansgate spot that works better than you'd expect with children in tow — the room is warm and relaxed rather than hushed, so a bit of noise from your table won't stand out, and the staff are consistently patient and attentive. There are high chairs, a kids' menu and vegan options, and the chicken can be halal. The pad Thai and tom yum soup get the most love, along with the duck and pineapple curry and the spicy prawn crackers; king prawn is worth the upgrade. Two honest snags: it's on the pricier side, portions can be hit-and-miss (one parent got "a small bowl of curry for £16"), and rice is charged separately, so factor that in. Service can slow down on busy evenings, though walk-in tables do turn up. Takeaway is a solid fallback on a bad day.
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 grown-up Manchester steakhouse that's surprisingly kind to children, with a great-value lunch deal and rib-eye worth the splurge.
A buzzy Manchester shuffleboard bar with a 4.7 rating, good for a casual mid-range outing with older kids and teens.
A relaxed Manchester coffee shop with high chairs and vegan options, handy for a low-key stop with the kids.