Dining out has always been considered a leisure activity in the food capital. For families with young children however, it is almost impossible to relax over a hearty meal while keeping the kids from mischief. Some restaurants in Bengaluru have taken the initiative with the ideal play-while-you-eat option.
The Fisherman’s Wharf, on Sarjapur Road, is one such place that offers parents and their children a respite. Being the only restaurant with an outdoor play area, they claim to have seen a rapid increase in customers with kids aged between five and 10.
Director of food and beverage, Rishi Gossain says, “Most restaurants disregard their younger customers. You often see parents trying to pacify their bored children as they wait for their food. In our play area, we offer children a distraction. They get to play on the slides and swings, under the watchful eye of their parents a little distance away in the dining area. Hence, parents can spend quality time while their children have fun.”
Claytopia Bistro is another café that offers a great combination of food and activity. It is a paint-your-pottery studio with bistro, which allows customers to paint ceramic ware (plates, mugs, fridge magnets and more) as they eat. Shilpa Roy, a mother of two, says, “It is a great place for moms to come together for brunch and relax while the children paint. They have amazing burgers as well.”
Her seven-year-old-son Suhail says he paints at least one cup each time he visits the place and confides, “Ma paints one too, sometimes.”
The idea of keeping children entertained at restaurants is slowly catching on. Village-The Soul of India, a restaurant in Jayanagar, offers daily entertainment for adults and children with activities such as puppet shows, musical chair, dandiya dance training and so on. The village-themed décor is an added attraction.
Rajat Gupta, a patron and father of a three-year-old girl says these activities enhance his dining experience.
“As a father, my priority is to keep my daughter happy. If she isn’t happy, our night out doesn’t go as planned,” he laughs.
“These activities, like the puppet shows, keep her occupied while we enjoy our meal.”
Chitra Verma, a regular at The Fisherman’s Wharf, says, “It is nice to know that restaurants are making an effort to make dining comfortable for both parents and children. I’ve recently narrowed down my eating out options to child-friendly restaurants and it is a pleasant surprise to see quite a few pop up. I hope to find more soon.”
***
Play here
The Fisherman’s Wharf, Sarjapur Road: An outdoor play area with a multi play station
Sattvam, Sankey Road: An indoor play area complete with a ball pit
Bistro Claytopia, Koramangala: Paint pre-made pottery pieces
Village-Soul of India, Cental Mall, Jayanagar: A colourful, village-themed décor with entertainment
Karibu, The Zuri, Whitefield: A dedicated ‘kids corner’ at Sunday brunches and clown shows
