{"id":2419,"date":"2024-05-27T20:27:29","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T19:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/events.loopla.com\/?p=2419"},"modified":"2026-04-14T22:53:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:53:26","slug":"pubs-with-play-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/pubs-with-play-areas","title":{"rendered":"17 pubs with play areas in London"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may have seen the recent (and heated) social media debate about the growing number of pubs banning kids.1<\/a><\/sup> But there\u2019s one kind where little ones will always be welcome: pubs with play areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

London still has plenty of family friendly pubs, of course. However, this roundup celebrates those that go beyond activity sheets and kids\u2019 menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of the pubs on our list has something truly exciting to entertain youngsters while their grown-ups relax with a drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly all of them are best suited to kids old enough to enjoy slides, outdoor play and a bit of running around. Broadly speaking, this means toddlers through to primary school age. Of course, some of these pubs have features that will be popular with older siblings, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article was last updated 14 April 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I find London\u2019s best pubs with play areas near me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find that pubs with play areas tend to be more common in suburban areas, where space comes with less of a premium. These Greater London spots are perfect for local families looking for a casual weekend activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, we made an effort to find central options you can combine with trips to London\u2019s best kid-friendly attractions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you find a pub with a play area near you, we\u2019ve split the list by area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best pubs with play areas in North London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Sebright Arms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Alston Road, Barnet, EN5 4ET
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.4 stars from 200+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find the play area at the back of The Sebright Arms’ cosy, heated beer garden. It has a climbing wall, rope bridge and slide for kids to enjoy, plus benches nearby for adults to supervise from. The pub also runs seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and teddy bear picnics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a McMullen pub, they have great ales on tap. For those hoping to avoid having to drive, the pub itself is about a 20-minute walk from High Barnet tube station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mops & Brooms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Rowley Lane, Borehamwood, WD6 5PD
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.4 stars from 1,500+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Borehamwood’s Mops & Brooms is another McMullen’s pub. This one is a bit further out, but as such, it has a bigger, greener garden. The kids’ play area is bigger, too, featuring a climbing frame, a metal tunnel and a big red slide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

They do slow-cooked Sunday roasts to go with your local McMullen ale, and chargrilled meats to pair with wine. As a London-border pub, you also get to enjoy open views across Hertfordshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Inn on the Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Corner of Solar Way, Innova Business Park, Enfield, EN3 7XY
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.2 stars from 900+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Inn on the Park is well placed for families planning time outdoors in Enfield. The pub has a small outdoor play area for kids to let off steam, and its location is an even bigger draw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epping Forest is less than 20 minutes away by car and Lee Valley Regional Park is close by for walks and cycling. There’s also Forty Hall Estate, with gardens, big open green spaces and even a farm, along with seasonal family activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pub has lots of space, good parking and serves good-value pub food, from beer-battered haddock and chips to sticky toffee pudding. At the time of writing, it averages 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews on Tripadvisor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Plough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Cattlegate Road, Enfield, EN2 9DJ
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.2 stars from 1,700+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the Plough’s play area with slides and climbing frames, they often also have seasonal activity sheets. This means kids have something to keep them occupied both at the table and away from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Plough is another Enfield option, but this one has a bit more character than Inn on the Park. A Londonist review<\/a> described the food (the Sunday roast in particular) as excellent. They also serve a range of great in-house ales from Hertfordshire brewery McMullen. If that strikes you as a reason to leave the car at home, The Plough is only five minutes away from Crews Hill station on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Something a bit different: The Boogaloo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 312 Archway Road, London, N6 5AT
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.2 stars from 1,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On weekends at Highgate’s The Boogaloo, kids eat free, a deal that comes with a slushie, plus a games and drawing set. And although it lacks slides and climbing frames, crafty kids will be just as absorbed by their weekly art workshops. Those who take part even get the chance to be on Boogaloo Radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boogaloo itself is a great pub to combine with nature walks. You’ve got Highgate Wood nearby, plus the fairytale-esque Queen’s Wood Cafe. There are even some bat caves minutes away at the top of Parkland Walk. Once a railway track, this three-mile-long, uninterrupted nature trail leads all the way across North London to Finsbury Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more entertainment, Jacksons Lane is just across the road. The arts centre regularly puts on family shows, from hypnotic disco juggling to folk opera aimed at babies. These can sell out quickly, but we’ll give you a heads-up on popular family shows, at Jacksons Lane and many other London venues, if you sign up to our newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With its famous jukebox and radio station in the garden, the Boogaloo is a great North London pub for music lovers big and small. The pub has a great history, too. In its previous guise as The Shepherd’s Tavern, this pub was Simon Pegg’s local and in fact inspired The Winchester from Shaun of the Dead<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best pubs with play areas in East London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Holly Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 141 Dames Road, London, E7 0DZ
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.4 stars from 900+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Holly Tree has one truly unique feature that makes for a memorable experience: a miniature railway running through the beer garden. Rides cost \u00a32 per person, and the train runs all year on Saturdays and Sundays from 1\u20134pm. For swings and climbing, Dames Road Playground is just across the road from the pub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With its bottle-green tiles, fireplaces and a conservatory, The Holly Tree has the feel of a classic old-school local. The menu is less traditional, which foodies will be pleased to hear. They also have a great range of craft beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Pipe Major<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 1 Yewtree Avenue, Dagenham, RM10 7FN
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.1 stars from 3,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Pipe Major’s kids’ play area has a climbing frame, ropes and a slide. During half-term, they sometimes offer kids’ meals for \u00a31 when you purchase an adult meal. If that weren’t exciting enough, in April they ran a special Matilda-themed menu featuring Miss Trunchbull’s Mighty Meatballs<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s known for its daily carvery, serving slow-cooked meats with homemade Yorkshire puddings and crispy roast potatoes. Based just opposite Dagenham East tube station, it’s also convenient for families travelling without a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Something a bit different: Big Penny Social<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.1 stars from 1,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Big Penny Social calls itself a pub, art centre and town square all rolled into one. It’s the kind of trip that could turn into a kids’ rave or a giant train-track session, depending on when you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That variety makes it especially useful if you’re planning ahead. Regular family events include TRACK PLAY for train-obsessed toddlers and Bounce House, a huge inflatable assault course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Delicious food like sourdough pizza and BBQ ribs, and great beer from their microbrewery. From a practical perspective, the space itself is huge, which will be good news for those bringing buggies, meeting other families or trying to keep a pub visit low-stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best pubs with play areas in South London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rosendale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 65 Rosendale Road, Dulwich, London, SE21 8EZ
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.4 stars from 1,600+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Alongside colouring books, The Rosendale has ride-on toys for toddlers to enjoy. Slightly bigger kids also have a larger outdoor climbing frame to clamber up, plus a slide and a fireman’s pole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pub is in West Dulwich, so it’s easy to pair with time in nearby Belair Park or a walk through this quieter part of south London. It’s also been credited with serving one of the best pub burgers in recent memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Something a bit different: BrewDog Waterloo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, London, SE1 7BH
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.7 stars from 7,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

BrewDog Waterloo has lots to appeal to families. Their big hook is the entertainment, with duckpin bowling, ping pong, darts and even a slide. During school holidays, the bowling is sometimes free for kids, along with meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s known for its huge scale, on-site microbrewery and lively beer-hall feel. The Waterloo location is another big tick. You can fold it into a full day out in central London, with the Southbank Centre and the London Eye close by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best pubs with play areas in West London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Duke of Kent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Scotch Common, West Ealing, London, W13 8DL
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.3 stars from 1,900+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In The Duke of Kent’s spacious, leafy beer garden is a play area with a slide, climbing frame and a rope bridge. It’s open to youngsters from 12pm to 9.30pm, or until it gets dark. For older kids (and grown-ups) they also have ping pong tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Duke of Kent is one of few London pubs to offer free parking for customers. Despite its classic pub decor, some of the highlights on their menu fall under the category of American-influenced comfort food. At the time of writing (April 2026), they serve bar snacks including loaded fries, wings and soft shell crab tacos. On weekdays they also do special offers, including \u00a310 off wine and free drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The White Horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Worple Way, Richmond, TW10 6DF
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.4 stars from 700+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The outdoor area at The White Horse leads directly into a public playground with a slide, climbing frame and roundabout. Just be aware that you may not be able to access it if the garden area is reserved for a larger party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for the authentic pub experience, The White Horse is a great pick. The pub is based in a charming part of Richmond that’s full of beautiful Victorian architecture. They also host a series of open mic events every Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Plough Inn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 297 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 4XB
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.3 stars from 1,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Plough Inn is one of Ealing’s finest. It’s also home to a lovely children’s play area, a delightful enclosure set within a white picket fence, with a colourful slide for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Alongside fantastic food and drink, the pub offers chic interiors. This is one of the better choices if you’re looking for a charming country pub atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sussex Arms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 15 Staines Road, Twickenham, TW2 5BG
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.5 stars from 1,500+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Sussex Arms has a proper play area set in the middle of its outdoor garden, with a climbing frame and monkey bars. It’s also well placed if you are planning a visit to Twickenham Stadium, about a 15-minute walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Strong beer selection, good food and friendly staff. They also regularly do special deals, so be sure to check the website. In March 2026, they were offering \u00a31 wings, two-for-one fish and chips, with \u00a35 off an accompanying bottle of prosecco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hare & Hounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Wyke Green, Osterley, TW7 5PR
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.3 stars from 1,800+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The newly refurbished Hare & Hounds reopened on 7 April, and Loopla has confirmed that the kids’ play area will remain a feature. Previously, the outdoor playground here had a set of climbing frames and a bright red slide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Based near Hounslow and surrounded by glorious leafy scenery, it’s perhaps best thought of as West London’s country pub. Food-wise, you’ll find elevated versions of pub classics on the menu, for example: Cumberland sausages with creamed potato, onion and parsley gravy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Rose & Crown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 220 Heston Road, Heston, Hounslow, TW5 0RH
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.5 stars from 500+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the Rose & Crown’s dedicated children’s play area you’ll find a slide, monkey bars and a climbing wall. That’s more than enough to keep younger kids busy while adults chill out nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Rose & Crown’s setting gives it a special appeal. This is a historic village pub opposite St Leonard’s Church and the building dates back to before 1800. That old local feel carries through to their big garden, which is covered, just in case the weather turns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Turk’s Head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 28 Winchester Road, St Margarets, Twickenham, TW1 1LF
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.5 stars from 1,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Turk’s Head is another family-friendly pub based in Twickenham. Their children’s play area features a climbing wall and slide. If you’re planning to visit the home of English rugby, the stadium is about a 20-minute walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Their bar snack menu catches the eye, featuring black pudding Scotch eggs<\/em> and mini steak and Lone Pride (ale) pies<\/em>. The Turk’s Head also works with The Kids’ Table to run special sessions on Sundays, where parents get to relax while a member of the team entertains kids with crafts and games aimed at ages 3\u201310.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Myllet Arms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Western Avenue, Perivale, Greenford, UB6 8TE
Review rating:<\/strong> 4.2 stars from 2,000+ Google reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights for kids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Myllet Arms has something a little different to the rest of the pubs on this list: a soft indoor play area they call the Wacky Warehouse. This makes it a reliable choice during the sort of wet and windy weather that scuppers outdoor plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And crucially, there are lots of tables and chairs near the play area, meaning you can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying your drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for grown-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Myllet Arms is just the thing if you’re a fan of hearty carvery lunches. They also offer good-quality ales and a welcoming atmosphere to go with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your kids could be dining out for free<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every week, Loopla’s newsletter shares fun family activities with 25,000 parents, along with a list of the latest discounts and deals. This section nearly always features restaurants offering free kids’ meals when their accompanying adults buy a main. Sign up below, and you could save money on your next family meal out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About this list<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This list was checked as of April 2026. Any pubs that don\u2019t mention play areas on their website were contacted directly. While doing this, we found that some previously listed pubs have unfortunately had to close their play areas. In case any are on your radar, here\u2019s the list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n