Food News, with Christine Rutter

A THIRD of British adults eat out at least two or three times a month.

But when it comes to dining out with children, the majority of parents claim British restaurants are anything but child-friendly.

The days of youngsters being seen and not heard have long gone but parents in the county give restaurants the thumbs-down for not adapting their services to match this.

Research by the Beefeater restaurant and pubs chain found that over half of those questioned in a survey felt restricted in their choice when dining with their kids.

The number rose to seven out of 10 among single parents.

Over three-quarters wanted restaurants to follow their European counterparts, who welcome families everywhere.

Even celebrity Lorraine Kelly found that taking a tot out for lunch was problematic.

"These results come as no great surprise to me," she said.

"I have a small child and when we go out often the restaurant just isn't geared up to cater for children. Or people on surrounding tables glare at you every time your offspring utters a sound."

Lorraine maintained she was not asking for a "childish" experience.

"I want is to be able to go out for a relaxing meal and know that highchairs, bibs and a children's activity pack are available if required." The results found that one out of five parents wanted high chairs, nearly a third requested changing facilities, two out of three said it was important to offer high quality baby food and most parents wanted access to free bibs.

The research revealed that half the parents also wanted special menus, child-sized portions and special cutlery for youngsters.

Ann Elliott, Beefeater's marketing director, said: "Eating out with a young family should not cause distress but should provide everyone with a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

"We recognise that parents with young children are frequently made to feel unwelcome in some diners."

ANDREA BURY, 26, from Oswaldtwistle, said she had often decided not to take her 18-month-old daughter Molly to family celebrations because of the lack of children's facilities in a restaurant.

"It can be very embarrassing," she said.

"You almost feel like you can't take youngsters to some restaurants.

"And unless there is a play area she gets very bored and it is hard work trying to entertain her. "I tend to pick places where I know in advance that they cater for children.

"Children should be made welcome.

"It is important that everyone enjoys it, so having all the facilities you would have at home makes it relaxing for everyone.

"Unless you book in advance, you normally don't get a high chair.

"A lot of eateries give children a smaller portion of the adult meals instead of special children's meals."

Mother-of-four SHAHEEN TAYAB, 43, of Harrow Drive, Blackburn, has experienced no problems dining with her children in restaurants.

She said: "We will often dine out with the children at an Indian restaurant and they usually have all the facilities such highchairs and bibs.

"There are usually no baby-changing facilities in restaurants but you just have to make do."

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