School holidays can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport, juggling childcare, entertainment and food without breaking the bank. Finding somewhere that keeps everyone happy can be a challenge, so when we spotted that Prezzo were running their children eat free offer, it felt like the perfect excuse to treat ourselves (and our granddaughter) to a proper sit-down lunch.
The offer was simple. Buy an adult main and a child’s meal from the kids’ menu is completely free. With three of us to feed, it made the decision easy, and it meant our five-year-old granddaughter got to enjoy her own special meal, just like the grown-ups. It is a small thing, but being able to order from her own menu made her feel very grown up indeed.
From the moment we got inside, the welcome was warm and relaxed and Gabbie greeted us like old friends. She chatted to our granddaughter as if she was the most important guest in the room, which went down very well and made Lily feel like she could boss people about when she wanted parmesan on her pasta, and all of the toppings on the ice cream.
The kids’ menu came with crayons and a colouring sheet to keep her busy, but the real highlight was the pair of paper 3D glasses. The illustrations on the menu seemed to pop out of the page when you put them on, which caused lots of laughter as we all had a turn trying them out. It was a simple touch, but exactly the sort of thing that keeps a child entertained while waiting for their food. And indeed Bruce who then tried to see if could create his own 3d illustrations.
One thing I have always liked about Prezzo is that, while the main menu is consistent across the chain, each restaurant has its own specials board. This gives each visit a little twist of individuality. On our visit, the star of the specials was the Marry Me Chicken Rigatoni that Bruce ordered. It was rich, creamy and full of flavour, with tender chicken and just the right hint of herbs. It was the sort of dish you are still talking about the next day, and one I would order again in a heartbeat. Shame it was better than the one I do because it is a bit of a staple in our house and will now feel somewhat mediocre in comparison.
The main menu itself is broad enough to suit almost anyone. There are classic pastas, stone-baked pizzas, fresh salads and a few more indulgent dishes if you feel like treating yourself. I have to mention the gluten-free options too, because they are excellent. Gluten-free diners often get second-best versions of things, but not here. The gluten-free pizzas are thin, crisp and full of flavour, and the gluten-free pasta is cooked perfectly. There are even desserts to choose from that feel like a treat, rather than an afterthought.
Lily happily demolished her pasta and ice cream, clearly enjoying the independence of having her own set meal. We took our time over ours, enjoying the chance to chat and relax. The service was perfectly paced, and our drinks were kept topped up without ever feeling rushed.
It is easy to think of chain restaurants as purely convenient, but this visit was a reminder of why Prezzo is one of my favourites. The combination of tasty food, thoughtful touches for kids, flexibility for dietary needs, seasonal specials and genuinely excellent service made it a win all round. And let us be honest, any lunch that ends with a happy child, full bellies and a bill that does not make you wince is worth talking about.
If you have little ones to feed over the school holidays, it is well worth checking whether the children eat free deal is running at your local Prezzo. Ours certainly made our day out more special, and it is the kind of offer that makes it much easier to say “yes” to a family meal out.
Know Before You Go
- Children Eat Free: Typically runs during school holidays. One free kids’ meal for every adult main purchased. Check the Prezzo website for exact dates.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Gluten-free pizzas, pastas and desserts available. Look for the GF symbol on the menu.
- Family Fun: Kids’ menu comes with crayons, colouring sheet and 3D glasses to keep little diners happy.
- Specials Boards: Each restaurant has its own daily or seasonal specials, so be sure to ask what is available.
- Find Your Nearest Prezzo: Visit prezzo.co.uk and pop in your postcode to find your closest branch.
- Join the Mailing List: Sign up on the website to receive offers and updates straight to your inbox. Or download the app as there are always offers such as free Nutella donuts or Prosecco for your birthday.
We were offered complimentary lunch in exchange for an honest review