Spot Check: Smollensky's Balloon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Smart urbanites will allow for the disparity between adult and infant energy levels by booking a table at Smollensky's. Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes are aimed at people with kids, which sounds like pure hell.
In fact, it's one of the most civilised experiences you can have with a child. The basement of this Mayfair restaurant is kitted out with wipe-clean banquettes and paper tablecloths, and children have separate menus so you don't have to make do with chicken nuggets.
But, best of all, they understand that no one under seven has ever sat still for more than 10 minutes on the trot.
So although the service is leisurely you don't have to deal with someone drumming their heels and going 'When's it time to go hooooome'.
Instead, ankle-biters can wander off and have faces painted (pounds 1.50), be regaled with card tricks and - bliss of blisses - be taken away between 2.30 and 3pm to watch a Punch and Judy show.
The food is a bit steakish, but pleasantly so, and is unlikely to set you back less than pounds 20-a-head for three courses.
But for a couple of hours of behaving like an adult without having to get a babysitter, it's worth it.
Smollensky's Balloon, 1 Dover St, W1 (071-491 1199)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments