One local spot that’s great for hanging out with the babes is King’s Place on York Way, just a hop from King’s Cross Station.
This handsome arts centre always has a full programme of events on including concerts, readings and art exhibitions. It’s also a really chilled-out place to go for afternoon tea.
Typically we’ll grab whatever’s on offer at the Green & Fortune cafe – anything from fresh-baked cakes to the surprisingly delicious gluten-free brownies and flapjacks in packets – and then lounge in the Atrium. Ezra likes to loll about on the oversized poufes.
If you’re hungrier, check out the Rotunda restaurant that offers a cracking Sunday roast and serene, waterside views. You can also just take your own sandwich and sit out by the canal, counting the ducks and the narrow boats passing by.
We took a short ride on a narrow boat as part of the Kings Place On Sea Family Weekend on July 24/25. The trip to the Canal Museum and back took about 10 minutes but was enough of an adventure to excite Ezra (Jed was sleeping in his buggy). The weekend also featured workshops, live acts and games, from Street Ping Pong on the lower floor (Ezra’s favourite) to free Punch & Judy shows.
Most of what’s on show at Kings’ Place is for adults, but they do put on family-friendly gigs, like the Beethoven for Babies concert we went to in April. Even if there are no performances on for kids, the galleries usually have something the babes like to gawp at.
On the Spot
Eek the Clown aka Martin and daughter Poppy, 17 months, spotted at King’s Place on Sea Family Weekend
‘We were just booted out of a performance as Poppy was making too much noise. She’s had a great time but no sleep! I was the Punch & Judy man. I perform all around the world and I also do clowning. The first show I did here was brilliant. It’s been a good crowd.’
King’s Place is at 90 York Way, N1 9AG. Box Office: 0207 520 1490
