Bistrot Winning in Battle Against Tech at the Table

As one restaurant dominated the headlines recently for banning mobile phones and tablets, an independent restaurant group has tackled the issue of technology at the table head on by launching a children’s activity pack like no other.

Menu Enfant was launched by Le Bistrot Pierre in October 2015 and has seen an impressive 44% hike in families visiting the restaurants with children in the four months since launch (Oct 2015 – Jan 2016).

The new menu and activity booklet has been beautifully hand-crafted by established artist and mum of two, Julia Whitehead. Containing 14 French-themed puzzles, games, story writing and a French twist on ‘Where’s Wally’ - ‘Où est Pierre?’- the pack has proved a big hit with children and parents.

“Not just a food selection, Menu Enfant provides fun facts and translations for kids to share with teachers on their return to school, cultivating an entertaining way of learning through food,” said diner, Ed White. 

Described as: “well priced” at £6.50 for two courses and a drink, one mum said it has an “excellent balance of education and entertainment” and is “one of the best [packs] I have ever seen.”

Rob Beacham, co-owner of the business and father of three children said: “Quality family time can be hard to factor in at home surrounded by distractions, so the Bistrot Pierre family felt that a meal out together would be the perfect time to put away phones and tablets and really enjoy each other’s company.

“That’s why we chose to invest in our younger customers to create something really special for when they visit and the figures speak for themselves.

“The booklets come in a striped paper bag with a set of individual crayons, so they really are something special that children and parents can enjoy together.”

Menu Enfant includes a number of dishes for children including roasted chicken breast, fish goujons, macaroni cheese and mini burger with a dessert and drink for just £6.50.

“We want our customers to know that Bistrot Pierre has something for everyone, we have big plans to open more bistrots across the UK. Our 14 sites are open seven-days-a-week serving provincial French dishes including our bestselling Boeuf bourguignon maison to lighter choices such as pan-fried sea bass,” Rob added.

Bistrot Pierre commissioned research to find out what was important to families when eating out before developing the pack to help keep children entertained during a family meal.

The majority (57 per cent) cited ‘quality family time together’ as the main reason ahead of a family celebration and socialising with the family. Almost half of families asked considered ‘quality of food’ as the most important thing, followed by ‘value’, and 63 per cent preferred restaurants that offer a children’s activity pack.