[RAILhead]

This is going to be kind of oddball, but we're taking a family trip to Europe soon, and one of the things everyone is wanting to do is visit a "quintessential" London pub to have some good, authentic food and experience the atmosphere, etc., etc.

Looking online, it seems like the vast majority of popular pubs require you to be 18 to enter, even if you're mainly going to eat. Our group of 8 will have a 16 and a 3 year old -- so that keeps us out.

With that said, can anyone recommend any places for us to go and have the aforementioned quintessential pub experience? There are plenty of modern restaurants we could hit (and we will), but we're looking for the "mom and pop" and family establishments that have been around for ages.

Thanks all,
Maury

[Doc HM]

There are stacks of family friendly pubs all over the UK, and many in London.

Tip. Stay away from the chain "family pubs" like Toby Carveries and Bernie Inns, they are rubbish, authentic British pub junk food. For mom and pop outlets look for non tied (ie not owned by a big brewery, really the only way to find these is local knowledge. Ask when you arrive in a destination.

You have to be 18 to drink in a pub, but not to eat. In fact you can even serve alcohol to under 18's in a pub as long as they are eating (little known fact), so don't sweat the 18 years rule. Nearly all pubs serving food will be happy for children of any age to come in.

Enjoy.