Left, owner Nicola Berry with the general manager Karen Hall at The School House, a new family-friendly restaurant in Cowes. Picture by Robin Crossley.
THE sometimes difficult lesson of how to dine out with young children can be learnt at a new Cowes eatery.
Not a playzone with food facilities bolted on, but a pub-restaurant that actually provides entertainment for the kids, is what is promised by the team behind The School House at Cross Street.
The business, which opened on Saturday, has a school theme throughout and in the headteacher’s office, co-founder Nicola Berry explained the business model.
"I quickly realised, having a five-year-old daughter, that eating out with a small child can turn into a less than relaxing experience.
"What we have provided is a 67-cover, family friendly, licensed pub-restaurant, where the family can eat well but, importantly, where children of all ages have something to do while mum and dad relax."
The School House, previously the Red Cross Centre, Cowes Social Club and then Bar 1, dates from early Victorian times when it was a "penny school" — hence the name of the new business.
A total of 20, mostly part-time, jobs have been created.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk