Now this sounds exciting! A new Greek restaurant is opening at one of Birmingham's best soft play centres. Neverland Funhouse in Erdington is known for its delicious Greek food.
So now owner and mum-of-two Penny Chalkidou has decided to open in the evenings, giving families the chance to enjoy free soft play whilst they tuck into homemade authentic Greek cuisine. The menu, which will be different to the daytime, will include sharing platters and mixed grills to give people the chance to try a little of everything on the menu to find their favourite dishes.
Inspired by the Peter Pan story, the restaurant features murals on the walls and trees 'growing' in the dining area, with fairy lights and a serving counter made to look like a ship. There's a large soft play area and separate baby and toddler section too.
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"The idea is for parents to enjoy a meal without having to take activities for the kids, run around checking on them or find things for them to do because they are bored," said Kostas Kepesoglou, who helps Penny to run Neverland Funhouse.
"Penny's children are 10 and four and she said that sometimes she found she was sitting at home in the evenings after school, thinking she had nothing to do with the children because of the rain or cold weather. So we decided to do something that's one-of-a-kind, that no-one else is doing - an authentic Greek restaurant with a soft play space for kids.
"We were already serving takeaway Greek food so we thought why not give people the chance to eat our food here in the evenings? This way the whole family gets to enjoy it."
The family-friendly is open every day from 5pm to 10pm and children can enjoy the soft play area for free so long as parents or carers spend a minimum of £15 on food and drink. The menu also includes Neverland's much-loved chicken, pork and halloumi gyros filled with salad and tzatziki sauce, mozzarella sticks, spinach pies and sweet potato fries. There's also shakes and Freddo cappuccinos.
"All the food is home cooked here by our chef. It is food that Penny and I love to cook and eat ourselves. We also like to keep Neverland really clean, we sanitise the play area, tables, chairs and toilets every 90 minutes so it means it is cleaned six times a day.
"I've been into other soft play areas where I've been afraid to use the toilets because they didn't feel clean. It's really important to us that every part of Neverland is really clean."
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This is reflected in the 5 star reviews Neverland receives on its Facebook page since it opened in January 2020. One dad recently posted: "Well here is a little hidden gem! Great, friendly staff. Not too busy and nice people in here. Then the food is fantastic with authentic Greek cuisine. Highly recommended."
Another parent added: "We came here today for the first time. 10/10 it is so clean, everything is spotless and the staff are always cleaning everything. The staff are welcoming and friendly to children and adults. The facilities are great and the food is delicious. Will definitely be going again!"
Penny and Kostas are hosting a Santa grotto this year and there will also be a special festive menu too.
How to find Neverland Fun House
Neverland Fun House and Greek Restaurant is on Station Road in Erdington, Birmingham B23 6UB. The play centre is open from 9.30am to 3pm Mondays to Wednesdays and from 9.30am to 5pm on Thursdays to Sundays. The restaurant is open daily from 5pm to 10pm. Find out more and book a table or soft play session via the Neverland Funhouse website here or call 07975768533 to book a table.
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