Rainforest Café became our number one destination to celebrate the kids birthdays. The tradition started when my eldest was diagnosed with Autism and became our go-to restaurant. Unlike other dining experiences that left him anxious and restless, here he was so preoccupied with everything going on, it just worked for everyone!
The lush surroundings and playful ambiance captivated his attention, allowing him to enjoy his meal without stress and he was constantly entertained without us, as parents, going out of our minds. And the staff have always been amazing with him too.
A Few Hurdles—But Nothing That Dims the Magic
Gift Shop: You’ll be met with Rainforest Café’s clever (if slightly naughty) retail entrance. Kids can’t help but reach for every novelty—including the quirky burping frogs. It’s not ideal when you’ve headed out for a meal and the temptation of a meltdown because you refuse to buy every bit of tat is imminently on the horizon.
The good news? This playful pit-stop turns what could have been a whiny queue into an engaging dining experience a bit of a struggle, into something keeping them entertained – AS LONG as you set the boundaries before you go in. E.g. “you can look but we aren’t buying anything” or “you only have £5”..
The result: entertained little ones… and yes, we confess—we did end up buying the frog. It was under a fiver.
Accessibility Limitations: While the café offers wheelchair access via a side entrance and service lift, it’s not seamless. Wheelchair users miss out on the bustling bar, live face-painting and roaring animatronics—they only reach the main dining room and aquarium view.
Stroller users, especially with infants, may want to use the upstairs buggy area; carrying buggies downstairs is possible but not ideal and you’ll need to make sure you get a table with space if you’ve got a snoozing little one.
The Experience That Makes It All Worthwhile
Be Crowned “Parent of the Year”: Booking a table here is more than just a meal—it’s an adventure. Step off the busy West End roads into a tropical paradise. Descend through a waterfall-studded cave into a safari wonderland, where zebras, tigers and flamingos adorn the bar—and your mojito glass might just match your stall.
Enchanting Entertainment: While you wait, your child can get their face painted by a charismatic artist brimming with warmth—no pressure, just creativity. When it’s time to dine, a safari explorer host personally and escorts you to your table, celebrating birthdays with a surprise complimentary dessert as the entire staff erupts into song and everyone claps and sings along.
Unforgettable Reactions: The first visit brought tears to my eyes. Those wide-eyed, delighted expressions and spontaneous hugs say it all—kids experience genuine wonder and families create lasting memories.
Dining Amid Jungle Thunder
The menu is vast and hearty—American comfort food with a tropical twist. Expect bold flavors and big portions, surrounded by immersive jungle soundscapes, echoing waterfalls, lightning flashes, and majestic animatronic jungle animals.
Sure, service may slow when storms roll in—but how could you rush this spectacle? It still blows MY mind every time I go there, let alone the kids!
Kids’ Menu & Value: At roughly £11 for a main and pudding—or £16.40 for the enhanced “safari pack” (main, dessert, drink, and table activities)—it’s an engaging package for both meal and entertainment.
Personally, we always opt for the Safari Pack as it entertains them during the meal, the journey home and beyond.
Adult Menu: From feisty fajitas to towering burgers, dining here is about more than eating—it’s the whole theatrical feast. Yes, it’s pricier than the average meal, but the entire experience—roars, splashes, and incredible decor—justifies every penny. Especially when you see how much your kids love it.
In short: If you’re after a memorable treat, a magical family experience, or simply want to feel like a hero to your kids, Rainforest Café delivers. Book your table, embrace the adventure, and prepare for a celebration that will linger long after the final thunderclap. Just make sure you take loads of photos and videos.
Ready to create your own Jungle Magic? Rainforest Café awaits—where every meal becomes an unforgettable rainforest experience.
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