Editor of the <i>Pub Food Guide 2014</i> Keith Austin shares six of this state's best pubs to dine with the kids.
There are highchairs, the staff dole out crayons and paper, there's a kids' menu, a pool table and ping pong and lots of families engaged in conversation rather than giving their children screens to play with. It has that great old-school community vibe.
117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge, 9660 1872
Creative, colourful kids' room, great use of a small space. You could easily eat in the upper-storeyed wooden cubby-deck, throwing leftovers down on anyone sitting at the long bench, watching TV or playing computer games. The hotel clearly welcomes young kids in the restaurant, including those who love to stand on their chairs to eat chips.
60 George Street, Bathurst, 6331 1852
It's hard to think of a more child-friendly pub, and thanks to the dining-adjacent playground being soundproof, the Taren Point Hotel is also extremely parent-friendly. Visit for Sunday lunch and the kids will enjoy face painting, showbags and a petting zoo.
105 Parraweena Road, Taren Point, 9525 2879
Early on a Friday evening it is predominantly families here. Lots of toddlers canter about and staff don't mind someone cordoning off a huge square of the restaurant to build a fort for the kids. Very tolerant of parents toting toddlers as well as teens and adultescents: all very convivial.
2 Addison Rd, Marrickville, 9557 1448
Very family friendly, especially for those with young children: kids' menu at $10 including drink and ice-cream; farm animals; a lawn for picnic rugs near a jumping castle.
6 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry, 94566 4301
Winner: Best Family Friendly at the Pub Food Guide 2013 awards
Our reviewer visited this hotel with her sister and two nieces. She had this to say: 'I was blown away by the sheer scale of the jungle-themed playground, friendly staff and number of happy young families. Not a crying kid in sight! My sister told me that out of her friendship group with young kids “none of us would ever dream of going anywhere else for dinner if the little ones are coming”.' That's a pretty solid recommendation.
5 Hews Parade, Belrose, 9451 8585
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