Derby Bistrot's New Menu Enfant Gets A Big 'Thumbs Up' From Young Diners
Published On Monday 8 Feb 2016 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
AS one restaurant hit 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, located at 18 Friar Gate, 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.
| Pride Park restaurant named naan-stop busiest matchday spot for Rams fans A Pride Park restaurant has been crowned one of the busiest pre-match hotspots for Derby County fans, thanks to its prime location, outdoor space, unbeatable matchday deal and its famous naanwich. Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Will March 29km Across The Peak District To Raise Thousands For Children's Hospital On Tuesday 2 September, a dedicated team of 27 staff from Longbow Venues will set off on a 29-kilometre charity walk across Read The Article | |
| Farm-to-Fork Excellence Derbyshire's Walton Lodge Farm Achieves Red Tractor Certification Walton Lodge Farm Estate, the 360-acre working farm and historic 18th century family home of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel owner Read The Article | |
| Hart's Kitchen Welcomes a New Chapter in Dining with a Refreshed A La Carte Menu August 2025 - Hart's Hotel & Kitchen is delighted to introduce its new A la carte menu, crafted to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season and the bounty Read The Article | |
| Popular fish and chip restaurant Darcy's opens on Sunday - and kids eat free! Derby's newest and largest fish and chip restaurant and takeaway is serving up great news - it's now open on Sundays when kids can eat for free. Read The Article | |
| Sunshine + Sweet Treats = Summer Surge At The Bakewell Tart Shop - Footfall Doubles Following its grand reopening in early July, The Bakewell Tart Shop has experienced a sharp spike in visitors - with warm, sunny weather Read The Article | |
| Double Shortlisting For Longbow Venues In 2025 Enterprising Women Awards Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues is celebrating a double shortlisting in the prestigious 2025 Enterprising Women Awards, with two Read The Article | |
| Peak Edge Hotel Unveils Immersive Wine Cellar Experience The Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel has unveiled a beautifully designed, temperature-controlled wine cellar - a bespoke feature by Sorrells, the luxury wine cellar Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Unveils The Charleston - A Glamorous New Bar & Restaurant Coming To Bakewell After months of speculation, Longbow Venues has officially revealed the name and concept behind its latest hospitality Read The Article | |
| The Bakewell Tart Shop Reopens with Fresh Look, New Features, and Big Ambitions After a three-week closure and major refurbishment, The Bakewell Tart Shop has officially reopened - unveiling a fresh new look, exciting Read The Article | |