We’ve found four great options in lovely West Sussex for special places to eat as a family.
The Royal Oak
Pook Lane, East Lavant, PO18 0AX
When I first became a mum I thought that the next fifteen years would see me eating soggy chips in chain pubs with ‘family friendly’ written on the door. Thank goodness I soon discovered that there’s no need for that kind of martyrdom! There are plenty of fantastic places to eat around Britain that welcome children, provide highchairs and give you great service and food. If you’re looking for fine dining in West Sussex then the Royal Oak is the place to head for. In the charmingly picturesque village of East Lavant, the menu features Modern European and English classics “with a twist”. Locally sourced seasonal food is the theme here. Children are warmly welcomed and offered ‘real food’; not a chicken nugget in sight!
Tel: 01243 527434 www.royaloakeastlavant.co.uk
Picnic at West Wittering Beach
Can summer be summer without a picnic on the beach? Pack the sun cream and the picnic rugs and head to the Witterings for some of the best stretches of sand in the south. You’ll find gentle waves and miles of golden sand; perfect for babies and toddlers. There’s a café and toilets at the entrance to the car park. There are fields (literally) of car parking available but this can really fill up in the school holidays and on very hot weekends; if you can still go in term time and mid-week, you’ll avoid the crowds and the traffic jams, and have the glorious sands for castle building practically to yourselves!
www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk
Nicolino’s Italian Restaraunt
34 North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7DG
Emsworth might be just over the border in Hampshire but it’s such a foodie town that if you want a wander by the sea to get your appetite going it’s well worth visiting for a nice lunch. There are several very swanky restaurants here; Fat Olives is worth a try if fancy restaurants are your thing. If you’re looking for more of a relaxed big hearted family welcome then you can’t go wrong with Nicolino’s. A local favourite, this family friendly Italian serves delicious food with generous portions, and, being Italian, offers a warm welcome to bambinos.
Phone: 01243 379809
Afternoon tea at Uppark
South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex GU31 5QR
On a sunny day, the café at the National Trust house at Uppark is one of the nicest places to be in West Sussex. Just outside the café are several tables perfectly placed for you to sip tea and munch scones whilst soaking up one of the finest views in the county. The National Trust has also kindly put a box full of outdoor toys close by so you can relax whilst the children play. You’ll be happy to stay until they close!
Tel: 01730 825857 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
