Kid-friendly cafés & restaurants

Mothering Sunday 2026: family-friendly Sunday roasts

Published · 5 min read

The best family-friendly Sunday roasts come with a children's portion, a crayon pack, high chairs and a table near the garden, so everyone, including Mum, actually gets to enjoy lunch. Mothering Sunday falls on 15 March 2026, and it's one of the busiest days of the year for pubs and restaurants. Here's what to look for, our favourite family-friendly options across the UK and tips for a calm meal out.

Why kid-friendly Sunday roasts matter on Mothering Sunday

On Mothering Sunday, the whole point is to give Mum a break, and a family-friendly venue makes that possible. Children who are comfortable, fed quickly and able to move a little are much happier at the table. A good venue also means you don't spend the meal apologising to other diners.

Book early, aim for an early lunch and have a plan for the walk or playground afterwards.

What makes family-friendly Sunday roasts stand out

Look for children's roasts, high chairs, baby change and a garden or play area.

  • Children's roast: a smaller plate with meat or a veggie option, potatoes, veg and a Yorkshire pudding.
  • High chairs and booster seats: booked in advance if possible.
  • Baby change: clean and easy to reach.
  • Outdoor space: a garden or nearby park for a run-around.
  • Kind service: staff who bring children's food first and don't mind a bit of mess.

Family-friendly Sunday roasts by region

Country pub chains, family pub groups and farm restaurants are the safest bets for a relaxed roast with kids. Check booking, menus and prices on the official website before you go.

VenueAreaTypeKids' menuPrice
Chef & BrewerUK-widecountry pubsyes££
Young'sLondon and South Easttraditional pubsyes££
Hungry HorseUK-widefamily pubsyes£
HawksmoorLondon, Manchester, Edinburghsteakhouse Sunday roastyes£££
Cannon Hall FarmSouth Yorkshirefarm restaurantyes££
Darts FarmDevonfarm restaurantyes££
DaylesfordCotswoldsorganic farm caféyes£££

Price per adult roast: £ = under about £15, ££ = about £15–£25, £££ = over £25. Children's meals usually cheaper. Rough guide only, prices change.

Find family-friendly restaurants in London on the Kid.ooo map

Country and family pubs. Chef & Brewer pubs are often in countryside settings with big gardens. In London and the South East, Young's pubs serve classic roasts in traditional surroundings. For a budget-friendly option with play areas at many branches, try Hungry Horse.

A special treat. Hawksmoor is famous for its Sunday roast in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. It's a smarter choice, so go early with older children.

Farm restaurants. Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley lets you combine Sunday lunch with animals and play areas. In Devon, Darts Farm has restaurants alongside its farm shop, and in the Cotswolds Daylesford serves organic food from its own farm.

Find family pubs in Manchester on the Kid.ooo map

Fussy eaters and dietary needs. Most pubs now offer a vegetarian or vegan roast, and many will serve a children's plate with just the bits they like, such as potatoes, a Yorkshire pudding and some carrots. If your child has allergies, mention them when you book and again when you order, and ask to see the allergen information. A simple plan B, like a portion of chips or a plain pasta from the kids' menu, can save the day without any drama.

Seasonal treats this month

March brings spring lamb, rhubarb, purple sprouting broccoli and the first daffodils on the table. Roast lamb with mint sauce is a Mothering Sunday classic, and rhubarb crumble with custard is a perfect pudding. Many restaurants hand out flowers to mums on the day.

At home, children can make a card, pick a bunch of daffodils from the garden or help with breakfast in bed before you head out.

Tips for a calm meal out with kids

Book early, order quickly and plan a walk afterwards.

  • Book a table for midday or earlier, before the rush.
  • Ask for high chairs and a table near the garden when you book.
  • Order children's meals as soon as you sit down.
  • Bring a small activity bag with crayons and a book.
  • Walk to a nearby park or playground after pudding.

For more food ideas, see our guides to kids eat free deals, pub gardens with play areas and adventure playgrounds in London for a post-lunch run-around.

For toddler-friendly family life, take a look at @mummataralouise on Instagram.

Rate your favourite Sunday roast in Kid.ooo

Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents add and rate kid-friendly restaurants, pubs and cafés. Use it to find kid-friendly cafés near me and family pubs for Sunday lunch, and leave a rating to help other families.

Find and rate family restaurants on the Kid.ooo map

Missing your favourite family Sunday roast? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan a lovely Mothering Sunday.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mothering Sunday 2026?

Mothering Sunday in the UK falls on Sunday 15 March 2026. It's always the fourth Sunday of Lent, so the date changes each year.

Do you need to book Sunday lunch on Mothering Sunday?

Yes, it's one of the busiest days of the year for pubs and restaurants. Book a week or two ahead, and choose an early slot with young children.

What makes a Sunday roast family-friendly?

A children's roast in a smaller portion, high chairs, baby change, space for pushchairs and staff who are happy to bring food quickly. A garden or play area is a bonus.

Do kids eat free on Sundays?

Some pubs and restaurants run kids eat free deals on Sundays or in quieter months, usually with an adult main. Offers change, so check the venue's website or social media.

  • family-friendly Sunday roasts
  • Mothering Sunday
  • Sunday lunch with kids
  • kid-friendly restaurants
  • family pubs
  • kids eat free

Find family places near you

Open the kid.ooo map in your browser – no download needed.

Open kid.ooo

← All articles