READERS' AWARD

1) Crumpet, London

Charming teashop serving fairy cakes and picnic teas. Located at the heart of 'nappy valley', it has a play area at the back, plenty of space for buggies and a family-sized loo. The children's menu includes finger sandwiches, cottage pie, macaroni cheese, salmon and mash; there are also 'ethically sourced' teas and a drinks menu.

· Crumpet, 66 Northcote Road, London SW11(020 7924 1117; www.crumpet.biz)

2) Head Over Heels, Manchester

Parents normally know all too well that the indoor play-area experience is usually one of ear-splitting noise levels, vile processed food and toddlers swallowed up by vast pits of primary-coloured balls. So it's good to know that, in the Manchester area, Mike Mills and Cathy Dunleavey (parents of a five-year-old) have opened a cutting-edge interactive play structure which comes with a family restaurant attached. Best of all, there's plate glass between the restaurant and play areas, which means that grown-ups can relax while at the same time keeping on eye on their offspring. Children's parties are also catered for. Unlicensed.

· Head Over Heels, Albany Trading Estate, Albany Road, Chorlton, Manchester (0161 881 4433)

3) Pick More Daisies, London

A laid-back Californian-inspired café, bar and restaurant with an extensive menu, running from gigantic American breakfasts to appetisers, classic salads, top-quality burgers, lots of veggie options and some truly fabulous puddings. What used to be a smoking section at the back has been converted into a child-friendly eating space. Meat is all free-range, and delivered direct from the farm; all vegetables come from New Covent Garden Market; and all fish is from sustainable sources.

· Pick More Daisies, Crouch End Hill, London N8 (020 8340 2288)

Best of the rest

SCOTLAND

Suruchi
121 Constitution Street, Leith (0131 554 3268); 14a Nicolson Street, Edinburgh (0131 556 6583)

Award-winning Indian restaurant with a special children's menu including corn fritters seasoned with mild spices and Maharajah chicken.

The Bridge Inn
27 Baird Road, Ratho, Midlothian (0131 333 1320)

Famously family-friendly pub in a picturesque waterside location at the Edinburgh Canal Centre. The fish and chips are made from locally sourced fresh haddock and there are plenty of other options in an extensive kids' menu.

WALES

The Talardy Hotel
St Asaph, Denbighshire (01745 584 957)

Boutique-style hotel with a wealth of child-friendly facilities, including Jellybeans family restaurant with its indoor soft-play area, sand pit and bouncy castle.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Rain City
33-35 Malone Road, Belfast (028 9068 2929)

A family-friendly offering from chef Paul Rankin with a West Coast-influenced menu including steaks, nachos and seafood chowder. It's open all day and children's drinks get refilled for free.

YORKS & HUMBERSIDE

Magpie Café
14 Pier Road, Whitby (01947 602058)

Exceptional fish-and-chip restaurant with only the freshest Whitby offerings from trad cod to lobster thermidor. Children's portions available.

NORTH WEST

Croma
1-3 Clarence Street, Manchester (0161 237 9799); 500 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M2 4DE (0161 881 1117)

Contemporary, cool and child-friendly. Take the kids for gourmet pizza and ice-cream. Prices are reasonable and play-menus manage to keep them occupied.

Simply Heathcotes
Beatham Plaza, 25 The Strand, Liverpool (0151 236 3536)

Fresh pasta, handmade burgers, freshly cooked fish, chunky chips and mini-knickerbocker glories for afters.

The Three Fishes
Mitton Road, Mitton, near Whalley, Lancashire (01254 826888)

Unusual combo of serious gastropub cooking with lovingly sourced local ingredients and a relaxed, cheerful approach.

NORTH EAST

Scalinis
61 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne (0191 240 7777)

Magicians, colouring competitions, and a six-foot bear to entertain the little ones, so their parents can enjoy well-prepared Italian basics in peace.

MIDLANDS

The Walnut Club
The Square, Main Road, Hathersage, Derbyshire (01433 651155)

Novelli protégé Nicholas Wilson is in charge. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the restaurant spacious, enabling parents to enjoy seriously good cooking.

Dez's Child Friendly Cafe
9 Bewell Square, Bewell Street, Hereford (01432 264700)

Serving freshly prepared, locally sourced food in a smoke-free, child-friendly atmosphere, this cafe will satisfy kids and parents alike.

SOUTH EAST

Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shack
11 Little East Street, Brighton (01273 774545)

Introduce the kids to authentic soul food courtesy of larger-than-life Philadephian Momma Cherri. The atmosphere is chaotic but friendly and the helpings are enormous.

SOUTH WEST

Morocco Red
Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall (01726 811911)

Makes a point of sourcing fresh, local produce for its children's menu, as well it might in the West Country's biggest eco-friendly family attraction. There are also gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options available.

EAST ANGLIA

King's Head
Holt Road, Letheringsett, Norfolk (01263 712691)

This lovely pub comes equipped with a huge garden, child-scale Norman castle, plenty of toys and an indoor playroom featuring snooker and table football. The kids' menu includes jam sandwiches and homemade baby food.

The Victoria at Holkham
Park Road, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk (01328 713230)

This gastropub has a playground in the garden and a separate menu for the kids.

LONDON

Banners
21 Park Road, N8 (020 8348 2930)

Unusual mix of Thai, Jamaican and Mediterranean dishes goes down surprisingly well with children (the jerk-chicken salad is a favourite) and there's paper and coloured crayons to hand to keep them entertained after lunch.

The Blue Kangaroo
555 King's Road, SW6 (020 7371 7622)

The downstairs play area is connected Big Brother-style via wide-screen TV to the restaurant area, which makes this one of the few places in London where parents can relax over a meal knowing that their offspring are safe. The children's menu is organic.

Gracelands
118 College Road, NW10 (020 8964 9161)

With a play area, book corner, home corner and comfy sofa, Gracelands is a nursery away from home for the under-fives. Food is simple, home-cooked fare. A selection of own-made breakfast cereals, gluten-free cakes and great coffee are also on offer.

· Some of the information included above was drawn from the website raisingkids.co.uk