Eat London with Kids: Caravan in Kings Cross

On the last mild evening of September, just before term started, Babe Daddy took us out for a pre-school treat at Caravan in King’s Cross.

The trendy restaurant is located on hip Granary Square in NC1 and although we’ve walked past it often, this was our first time actually stepping in.

The tables outside by the colourful fountains were heaving, but despite not having a reservation they managed to fit us in at a spot near the back. This was nice and spacious and it’s quite lively inside, so your little ones are unlikely to bother fellow dinners above the hubbub.

I love the open, NYC, converted warehouse feel with mellow lighting, and open bar/kitchen area where waiters hustled past us. The guy waiting on our table was really sweet with the boys, helping push their chairs in and bringing us snacks (olives) while we waited for our mains.

The boys chose pizza (tomato and mozzarella of course) and insisted on having one each. The pizzas were pretty big but they wolfed down every last bite — I didn’t even get a taste!

Caravan is on the crest of the trend for ‘small plates’. Rather than plumping for a steak, I decided to try a mix of what in Nigeria we’d call ‘small chops’.

I ordered Crispy Fried Chicken with Jerk mayo and pawpaw sauce. Grilled Quail with creamed sweetcorn and Maple bacon. And a side of Jalapeno Cornbread with Chipotle Butter — and I’m salivating as I type this just thinking about those dishes!

I’m typically a leg chick, but the breast was seasoned well and beautifully moist to counter the crunchy coating, although the mayo was not at all spicy despite the ‘jerk’ claim.

Quail is not a bird I run into on an average night out, but it was tender and tasty although probably the least memorable of the three plates.

Cornbread is one of those sides that I’ve missed since leaving the States. The jalapeno added a nice kick and Abiye, who had never tried cornbread before, was suitably impressed.

But let me tell you about the Wagyu ribeye steak. I only managed to steal a couple of bites off my man’s plate but damn… that is some seriously good meat. Abiye said it was up there with some of the best steaks he’s eaten. Juicy, plump and layered with flavour, a delicious combo with the smoked mash and wasabi pea salsa. Next time, I’m skipping the tapas and going in for the kill!

I didn’t think I could manage dessert but the boys were pleading for ice cream and Abiye chose a waffles with balsamic vanilla ice cream and strawberries. It was a dessert made for two, so how could I refuse a couple of (alright several) bites?

You can’t go wrong with waffles although the balsamic ice cream was a bit too vinegary for me. We ordered extra scoops of plain vanilla which balanced things out perfectly.

I feel truly spoilt to be surrounded by world class cuisine right in my hood. Caravan was a proper treat. In fact I loved it so much, I came back for breakfast (semi-accidentally) with a group of mums the next day!

Caravan is in the Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross NC1 (King’s Cross tube). Also try the much smaller Caravan on Exmouth Market.