Dining out with kids is not just about deep-fried Happy Meals and all-you-can-eat crayons. Hungry little nippers can enjoy fine, locally-sourced fare at Newington Green’s very own children’s cafe.

The Venue
That Place on the Corner in Newington Green is situated on a light and airy corner plot with only the faintest honking from the roundabout outside. Once an old cafe, it’s now the epitome of shabby chic. Huge windows overlook the green while pale grey walls are smattered with Technicolor images of fairy cakes and painted faces. From the high ceilings, multi-coloured glass chandeliers drip like handfuls of pear drops. Big, hunky wooden tables seat from two up to around eight are dotted abstractly around the spacious room, of course, highchairs are a-plenty and seemingly arrive out of nowhere as soon as a babe-in-arms enters.

There is a small serving counter behind which is a hive of activity. Cake stands are filled with coloured sweet creations and there is a friendly-looking coffee machine gurgling in the background. The more relaxed, lounging area is dominated by a beautiful teal velvet Chesterfield. A flurry of mini-tables and chairs cater for the smaller, more excitable customer with a small library plus a huge wardrobe filled with dressing-up clothes for all ages, are both designed to keep the little ones entertained. Underneath one of the vast windows there’s a lovely, sunny lounging area furnished with brightly printed cushions and throws and is perfect for lazing around with a good Enid Blyton. A separate buggy park means that you won’t trip over the abundance of primary-coloured Bugaboos which frequent the cafe giving the place a much less-cluttered appeal than that of your usual child-friendly venues.

However, the real attraction (for both kids and parents) comes in the form of daily activity classes. Here at That Place on the Corner there’s a whole host of pre-school entertainment on offer from arts and craft to ballet, caterpillar music to diddy dance (all priced accordingly). Of course, this will mean nothing to you if you don’t have kids, but if you do you soon realise that it’s an absolute godsend.

The Atmosphere
That Place On The Corner is probably not the best place for your Saturday morning hangover-busting fry-up, unless of course you have kids in tow – and then it’s ideal. This quirky little cafe on the corner will give you more than a moment’s peace while your little ones play dress-up. Children of all ages are very welcome, however the pre-schoolers tend to appreciate its attractions a little more than the tweens.

The clientele is generally made up of young parents with pre-schoolers, however during the holidays all ages pop in from the trendy N16 locale (think Boden mums and Hackett dads). A light, funky soundtrack plays in the background, reminding mums that it’s not all twinkle, twinkle, little star when you have kids.

The Food
The ethos of That Place On The Corner is that it serves children’s food which you would be happy to serve at home. There’s a breakfast menu (served until noon) with boiled egg and soldiers (a steal at 99p) for the kids to a fancy Eggs Royal, a poached egg, smoked salmon and hollandaise on toasted muffins (£4.80) for the grown-ups. A full English breakfast (£4.80) offers a faint nod to the venue’s greasy spoon past, but served with organic eggs and locally-sourced bacon and sausage.

The lunchtime menu is again as locally-sourced and organic as possible. All the favourites are available including penne pasta with homemade basil pesto (£3.50 small kid’s portion and £4.50 for bigger children). The breaded plaice goujons with hand-cut chips and peas (£4.25/£5.25) are homemade and delicious. A mini-plate of fresh, battered fish is served with a handful of lovely chips and a few peas, a dish plentiful for little mouths. The homemade 100 percent beef burger on focaccia bread (£4.50/£5.50) is again served on a mini-plate with handcut chips and sliced beef tomato. It’s plain, meaty burger is perfect with a good dousing of ketchup. For the really mini-mouths, the chef prepares a daily blend of organic vegetables (£1.80) which can be either smooth or chunky depending on your baby’s preference.

For adults the selection is just as impressive, with a good selection of salads including a tasty Caesar salad with grilled chicken (£7.75). The garlicky scent of the croutons arrives first followed by a generous pile of rocket and watercress leaves (but sadly, not the traditional romaine or cos) which are coated in a delicious creamy garlic dressing. An abundance of croutons is slightly overbearing and more chicken would be nice, however it’s very tasty and filling. For a quick snack try one of the sandwiches such as roast chicken and tarragon mayonnaise (£4.85) made with either ciabatta or a panini and served with a side salad – all a young mum needs for extra energy.

If it’s a sugar rush you want, try a pretty coloured fairy cake (£1 each) or a really good ice cream (£1.50 a cone). On Friday evenings That Place On The Corner is open until 8pm and the children can eat for free. There’s a storyteller on hand to entertain the little ones while mum and dad enjoy a quiet glass of wine.

The Drink
As new parents need a regular caffeine kick, there’s a host of decent coffee on hand here with good lattes and cappuccinos (£1.60/£1.80). The children have a choice of juices (50p for a small cup £1.60 for a large glass) including apple, orange or pomegranate. Innocent smoothies are also on offer at a fairly reasonable £1.20 a carton. That Place On The Corner is also licensed, so go for that late afternoon glass of wine (£2.90/£13) or bottle of beer (Becks, Peroni or Hoegaarden from £2.50).

The Last Word
That Place on the Corner is the perfect find for new parents. A place where both you and your kids can socialise, eat decent food and take part in a class or two. Recommended.

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