No more picnics now kids can eat for free

Children can enjoy a wide variety of food, from Greek souvlaki to brewery fare, all absolutely gratis this summer. Here's our guide to treating your youngsters without spending a penny

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Some schools have already broken up, while others have a mere week left before the long holiday begins.

While many families are looking forward to days out, trips to the seaside, nearby farms, soft plays and other local attractions, costs can quickly add up. But if you don't want to rely on packed lunches until September 1, we've found the restaurants, cafes and pubs where parents, grandparents and carers can feed young ones for free.

WHERE: FRANCO MANCA

WHEN: Monday to Thursday, ongoing

For every full-priced adult main meal you order (in selected pizzerias), a child aged 12 or under gets a free kids' pizza. Options have a gourmet twist with toppings including roasted cured ham, organic tomato, wild mushrooms, and mozzarella. Drinks are orange or apple juice or homemade organic lemonade. There's also an allergen-free kids' menu to give parents peace of mind about what their little one is eating (francomanca.co.uk).

WHERE: MARCO PIERRE WHITE RESTAURANTS

WHEN: Every day in summer holidays, except for Saturdays after 6pm

Parents can eat fine restaurant food at Marco Pierre White's restaurants including Steakhouse & Grill, Mr White's English Chophouse, Marco's New York Italian and Wheelers, and it will taste all the sweeter knowing their child under 12 can eat for free with every a la carte main meal they order. Available for one adult per child. Check with your local restaurant before visiting (mpwrestaurants.co.uk).

Where: BREWDOG

WHEN: Summer holidays