Bistro Union Clapham

I had high expectations for the little sibling of Trinity, Bistro Union. I made a reservation for New Years day, which may have been part of the problem, assuming the lead staff might have been given the holiday off. My confidence began to dwindle as we were seated, navigating the buggy through the restaurant to the last table at the back where no matter how Max and I were positioned, we were still somehow in the way of the staff trying to get to the kitchen. It was also rather dark and a bit too close to the heater which had left a large water stain on the wall. You could be reading a very different review if I’d not been given a view of a large water stain.

The food here is fine but on the same level that could be without too much exertion be whipped up at home. Except for the Moxon’s London Cured Smoked Salmon with Pickles, Creme Fraiche and Bread, because the ‘bread’ was much more like a crostino and almost impenetrable with either knife or tooth. We ate from the lunch menu which also may have been part of the problem. It feels like a brunch spot. I’m sure the eggs are good.

This lunch was one of the first times that we’ve ever attempted to order from a children’s menu and although the food again was quite acceptable, it arrived at the table at a temperature that would have scalded Max. We then had to hold him back from his food like a drunk man from a fight for about 15 minutes until it was cool enough for him to eat. On paper, Bistro Union has everything you need to accommodate a small person but it feels more like a tick box exercise than somewhere that really wants to feed families.

What’s good? On paper, the facilities for children.

Kid friendly? Yes but…

✓baby change facilities

✓highchairs available

✓cool with breastfeeding

✓loads of other parents

✓space for buggies

✓children’s menu

✗toys/play area

Rating ????

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