It's difficult finding somewhere, particularly a pub, to go in London if you have an 11 year old with you. There are very few child-friendly pubs in London. After having been kicked out of the Euston Flyer because 'no kids after 8pm', a Google search revealed the Friend At Hand. We called the pub in advance just to make sure kids were allowed and to ensure we wouldn't be turfed out after eating, all very positive.
I have to say that the Friend ticked all my boxes : good selection of Cask Ale (fullers, youngs, bombardier) albeit not cheap, a good 'pub grub' menu served until around 10pm most nights, again not cheap but I didn't expect otherwise, friendly staff, although a bit slow at clearing the tables. There are big tellies showing football, which my son liked. I thought the music was too loud though and we ended up shouting instead of talking.
Good, easy going atmosphere, never felt uncomfortable having a child with us, even though he was the only one in the pub!
One tip : if you want to get a table don't go on the night of a big match, it's really busy then.

Influenced heavily by the reviews on this forum, we visited The Friend At Hand with our daughter this evening during our visit from The States;

Nice atmosphere, friendly service, and quite good food. I was a little shocked at the small number of onion rings we got for the price, but on the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised on the inverse with the Fish & Chips, so we'll call it a wash. Burger was surprisingly tasty (I stole some from my daughter).

Definitely a bit touristy (surrounded by hotels, so not surprising there), easy to get to, and again, very friendly staff & family friendly.

A bit touristy and the staff would rather try and look busy than serve you. Not horrendous, but there is better places to go in the area. I'd only go again if it was raining and I needed a roof over my head, for a short period.

Hello you luvly people. My name is Dave and I live in the teesside area. My Wife and I have just returned home after a short visit to London.

We visited your Pub on two occasion's and we had lunch on both of them. I have to say the food was delicious and the service excellent!

We thank you for being friendly towards us and so adding to the pleasure of our trip.

CHEERS, D&J.

A few years back, I was on business travel to London from the US.

As a stranger to the city, I wondered into The Friend at Hand, just looking for a pint and some simple food.

The atmosphere ... WARM ... the friendly staff and the friendly patrons had me coming back more than once ...

I don't remember what I ate, but I do remember that it was very good pub food ... served hot and with a smile ...

I sampled enough beer to be thankful that I was walking and to also say "pick one" ... they're all very good.....

If I'm ever back to this area of London, I will definitely make sure to visit The Friend at Hand ....BTW ... the story behind the name makes for good conversation!!!!

Nice food, pleasant staff and child friendly, great pub!