I used to love cooking, but recently it’s become a bit of a chore, mainly because I’m finding it increasingly hard to cater to everyone’s tastes. Little I used to be a brilliant eater but recently she’s become a bit fussy, and two-year old Wolfy has a very limited repertoire of what he is prepared to try. At least the cats do very well out of the leftovers!

So when Holes Bay in Poole, part of the Table Table chain, invited me and my family out for a meal, I jumped at the chance to have a day off cooking. We don’t eat out very often as a family, and so when we do, it’s a real treat. Little I has always loved dining out, and Wolfy has just begun to realise the benefits!

As a parent with young children, it’s always lovely visiting a restaurant which you know will be child-friendly, which Holes Bay undoubtedly is. The children’s menus were the best I’ve seen, and so visual that Wolfy was genuinely able to ‘read’ through the options on his own, choose what he wanted, and even place his order. “Pizza, garlic bread and sweetcorn, please” he very politely requested when the waiter came along!

The Horrible Histories theme within the children’s menu and activity pack was a big hit with Little I. She’s been learning about Henry VIII at school recently, and so she devoured the stories and facts of the ‘Terrible Tudors’ as quickly as her Poppin Chicken!

The ‘Deadly Puddings’ where a massive hit with both children too. Wolfy jumped at the chance to order a Scary Face Sundae, which he was able to create himself from a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a selection of strawberry laces, mini chocolate beans and milk teeth gums. He couldn’t believe his luck! Likewise the Milk Chocolate Challenge was something that Little I took on with relish.

My husband and I opted for a meat-heavy main each, as we seldom treat ourselves to steak at home. I chose the 8oz Sirloin Steak Diane which was cooked exactly to my liking, and my husband went for the Mixed Grill. Neither of us were disappointed and we cleaned our plates, although we both said afterwards that they were possibly a little over-priced.

Puddings were equally yummy. I am a massive fan of crumble, particularly at this time of year, and so it was a foregone conclusion that I would choose the Apple and Rhubard Crumble, which is cooked to order. It was perfect, with an equal balance of fruit and crunchy crumble, served with a generous jug of custard on the side. My husband’s Sticky Toffee Pudding was gone before I’d even had a chance to take a photo.

Our waiter was so brilliant that he definitely deserves a mention. I’m always impressed when someone can remember four people’s orders without a notepad and pen (when I can barely remember my phone number some days!), and he was so accommodating and lovely with the children.

It was such a welcome break to have Sunday lunch out, and we all went home happy and with full bellies. Thank you Holes Bay!

Disclaimer: For the purpose of this review I was provided with a complementary meal at Holes Bay restaurant, but all opinions are completely my own.