The Amos family from the UK and France, make it their priority to scout out as much of Beijing as they can. Simon, the food and beverage manager at Hilton Beijing, his wife Audrey, and their two sons Hugo (4) and Oscar (1), love trying new restaurants and aren’t afraid to explore this city’s nooks and crannies. They took some time out to tell us their family favorites.
Favorite family-friendly restaurant
Most of Beijing’s restaurants are family-friendly in the sense that we never get frowned on when one of the boys is a little loud. I’ve often had Oscar taken out of my arms by a keen waitress!
Where do you buy kids clothing?
When there are sales, I look in Zara, Okaïdi and Mothercare. Oscar’s clothes are all Hugo’s hand-me-downs, so I buy good quality clothes because it will have to be worn by two boys.
Family ritual
We walk to Bellagio on Xiaoyun Lu for lunch, then we usually walk around the area and end up in Laitai. The boys love looking at all the fish.
Favorite weekend activity
Weather permitting we go for a bike ride and have lunch out. We love cycling along the Liangma river.
How do you treat yourselves?
We have a wonderful ayi, so we book her to baby-sit the kids while we go out for dinner. We like to try somewhere new as often as possible – we just love food and
restaurants.
Favorite snack
It’s not a snack but we do love Beijing Duck. I prefer Da Dong but Simon’s favorite is the Quanjude restaurant in Sanyuan Qiao.
Best place to play outdoors
Beijing has great parks such as Chaoyang and Ritan. Hugo loves the amusements and, in summer, the remote-controlled boats.
Favorite day trip
Tiantan [Temple of Heaven]. I get very emotional when I hear the singing; I don’t know what it is but it always gives me a lump in my throat. Same goes for Simon, but don’t tell anyone!
Lazy Sunday
Brunch! The Hilton Beijing’s Sunday brunch is brilliant, and Hugo loves the clown. If we feel too lazy for that, we meet up with friends for a beer at Pavillion; they have a brilliant outside space for the kids to run around in.
Rainy-day activity
When it does rain, we cuddle up in Hugo’s double bed for storytime.
Best new discovery
The Hilton Beijing’s secret garden.
Date night
Anywhere that has a good atmosphere and serves decent food. We recently had a fabulous time at the Kro’s Nest by the Worker’s Stadium and ended up in Vics!
Want to share your Beijing favorites? E-mail editor-kids@beijing-kids.com.
