The maxim that timing is everything has never been truer than when eating out with babies and small children.  Get the timing wrong and even the most child-friendly eatery will fail to ensure you have a good experience.To that maxim could be added another: location, location, location.  Ok, so that is really three maxims, but you get the point.  This is especially true in relation to chain restaurants, like Giraffe.

Now, my first experience of Giraffe was on a busy holiday at the South Bank.  Very big mistake.  Too many people, staff rushed off their feet, kitchen under pressure.  None of which made for a decent meal with a 3 year old.  So when friends suggested Sunday brunch at the new Blackheath branch of Giraffe I have to admit to being a little uneasy.  However, as they have a 1 year old and Jack had opted for a surprise sleepover at his grandparents leaving us unexpectedly child free, I agreed.

The two experiences were like chalk and cheese, with the later being a very nice cheese indeed.  The atmosphere was chilled, the staff relaxed and friendly.  A fuss was made over my friend’s extremely smiley, adorable baby.  Balloons were procured and amused the baby endlessly.

The food was straightforward and tasty.  Not a culinary delight obviously but if that is what you were looking it would be fair to say Giraffe wouldn’t be on your long (let alone short) list.  Needless to say, for a restaurant chain which sets out to be child-friendly, there are ample highchairs and baby changing facilities.

So there you go. Amazing what a change of timing and location can achieve.

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