I LOVE it when you discover a place by accident which serves up great food.

While in Bournemouth town centre we stopped off at the new Treehouse Family Play in St Michael’s Road to give our daughter a chance to play on their hard play equipment.

After tumbling around the centre with her for 20 minutes or so I had built up an appetite and as it was lunchtime I decided to see what food they had on offer.

She wanted to carry on playing with some new found friends and as I perused the menu I was really impressed to see they had a big screen in the cafe area where I could see her enjoying herself and check on her.

And by the way the hard play is very impressive for the children.

There is a labyrinth of tunnels, climbing areas, a slide and also an air-powered canon firing out soft balls, which the children love.

There’s even a dressing up area where they can put fancy dress outfits on.

And the cafe at the old Masonic lodge – which used to house the Snow Togs shop – has been done out really nicely, all bright and airy with a first floor area and extra room for diners and a party room downstairs.

The menu includes salads, pizzas, sandwiches and paninis.

My primavera pizza had a lovely thin crust with Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella and tomato plus fresh rocket and parmesan.

It was done really well and was so good that I felt the venue merited a review, despite not strictly being a restaurant but more of a place for families. My wife’s Nicoise salad was not huge but was fresh and superbly done too. Healthy and tasty.

My daughter enjoyed her pasta, with ham added for 50 pence. They also have children’s soup, pizza, sandwiches and breakfasts – no sign of those horrible deep fried sausages or chicken nuggets with chips that you often find on the kids’ menus.

  • Entry for children is £3.50 for over ones and £5 for over threes on weekdays and is £4.50 for over ones and £6 for over threes on weekends and holidays.

The Bill

Primavera pizza £7.20
Nicoise salad £5.40
Children’s pasta £2.50
Additional filling £0.50
Carton of drink £1.10
Tea £1.50
Milkshake £2.60

Total: £20.80

The Ratings Board

Location *****

Atmosphere *****

Value for money ****

Quality of food ****

Service ****

Comfort ****

Family friendly *****

Menu choice ***

Overall rating ****