This was a big hit with our little ones over the Easter weekend: Daddy turned the dining room into a pretend restaurant and created a menu for them to choose their dinners. Whilst Mummy was the waitress. It was great fun, even if it did only last 90 minutes. It was nice to do something a little different and the kids love role play games.

Firstly, we asked the kiddies to get dressed up and make an effort – like we were really on our way out. They then queued outside in the garden, on our love box, where they waited to be seated by the waitress. They had been sent these lovely tops by La Coqueta, a luxury kids clothing brand that specialising in Spanish kids cloths. Isla is wearing this beautiful Boalena cardigan, it’s perfect for Spring and Summer evenings, if you really are going to a restaurant!

Isla

Noah is wearing the long sleeve polo shirt, it feels so soft and also feels really good quality. These items were meant to be coming with us to Dubai, which unfortunately we did not go due to lockdown. So we put them on to go to our pretend restaurant instead! It was lovely to see them dressed up.

Noah

The menu was created by Daddy, the chef, he put things down that he knew he could cook quickly. As we all know, kids waiting in restaurants can be quite stressful and they had no parents with them, so we gave them choices that would be relatively quick to cook.

Isla really got into character. It was lovely. She called me “Sonia” as that’s what my name badge said and she asked politely for refills of drink and for her food. She referred to Noah as husband which I thought was hilarious. Noah, on the other hand, was a little disruptive. He didn’t really get into the spirit of things very well and spent the entire evening mucking about and licking his spoon so I would have to replace it – getting the most out of his money I suspect. Also, he is tired. So I gave him the benefit of doubt!

pretend restaurant queue

After their meal, I created a quick receipt from a Paperchase list pad I had and then I made pretend money for them. So they had to work out what money to use to pay the bill. So we involved a little maths in the mix too. When we do go out next, when this lockdown is over, we will definitely let them take charge in the restaurant.

Pretend restaurant bill

It was great fun, despite the fact I just stood and watched the kiddies eat (which made me feel super hungry). I used to pretend this when I was a kid myself, without the actual food element of it all! Making up menus and my own money, I actually felt like a child again. The kiddies said their favourite part was the yummy pizza and the entertainment (Mummy played the piano after their meal and they danced). Let me know if you decide to do your own pretend restaurant at home.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Comments
  • Jupiter Hadley
    Tuesday, April 14, 2020

    Oh wow this is such a cute idea, we are totally going to have to make our own restaurant here! Very cute.

  • Susan Mann
    Monday, April 20, 2020

    This is such a brilliant and simple idea. It looks like they loved it and had a great time. Going to give this a go xc

    • MummyConstant
      Wednesday, April 22, 2020

      Ah brilliant. They did love it. Let me know how you get on x

  • Margaret Gallagher
    Tuesday, April 28, 2020

    Fun way of learning – looks like you all enjoyed yourselves