Café · Plymouth
Two cafés sit inside this central Plymouth theatre — one on the ground floor, one upstairs — and both work as an ordinary coffee-and-cake stop rather than just a pre-show scramble. There's plenty of seating spread across the areas, so there's room to park a pram, and it's kept clean and comfortable. High chairs and a kids' menu make lunch before a matinee genuinely doable, and the front-of-house team come up again and again as friendly and patient. Two honest snags: the car park fills up fast, so arrive in good time, and drinks and sweets sold inside the auditorium are eye-watering — one visitor paid £13 for two waters and two bags of Haribo, so stock up in the café first. Matinees and pantos draw a mixed, family-heavy crowd; families call it "big-city entertainment at bargain prices".
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.
Easy theatre café with buggy access, high chairs, a kids' menu and outdoor seating — quietest mid-afternoon, between performances.
Roomy three-floor Plymouth pub with kids' menu, high chairs and buggy access — hot, generous food at gentle prices.
Roomy city-centre dessert spot opposite the Theatre Royal, with gelato, waffles and cookie dough, high chairs and generous toppings.