It's my Sister-in-law's 40th birthday in May, and she fancies us all going for a meal - taking the kids as well. Kids are between 11 and 14 so they aren't annoying little ankle-biters.

Anyone recommend a nice pub or restaurant that would welcome us and not boot us out as soon as we'd finished our meal?

You know: table for the night or bar area to retreat into afterwards.

Depends what you're after - if you're not bothered about a quiet night then I'd suggest TGI Fridays - always a good laugh. Mind you I get free drinks half the same so I'm probably biased.

If you want a good, friendly pub then the three merry lads out lodge moor way is good. Food there is really good - lots of choice, and you can book a table etc... Also a no-smoking section.

They're very child friendly.