Joanna’s Crystal Palace

There aren’t a lot of restaurants that survive 40 years in London but Joanna’s is one of them. A high end, old fashioned (I mean this in the nicest possible way) brasserie that does old favourites with aplomb, in a wood panelled, ceiling fanned room that’s playing some light jazz. It’s exactly the sort of place you should take your mother. And because it’s in Crystal Palace which is full of families, it’s also the sort of place you can take your kid.

We’ve visited both pre and post baby and the service is sometimes a little patchy. It can be hugely busy at weekends and it is not overly spacious so if you’re taking a little person with you, give them warning. I also find it infuriating that they don’t serve brunch on Sundays. The thing is though, for all it’s rigidity and business the food stands out.

What’s good? I absolutely love their chicken liver parfait. It is perfect. In general, they know their way around a piece of meat.

Kid friendly? Relatively.

✓baby change facilities –

✓highchairs available

✓cool with breastfeeding –

✓loads of other parents

✓space for buggies – but limited

✗children’s menu

✗toys/play area

Rating ???

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