In the Magic Faraway Tree, which hit cinemas across the country last Friday, three children find whimsy, friendship and magic within an enchanted wood behind their ramshackle cottage.
It’s a modern reimagining of Enid Blyton’s tale. The parent’s relationship and the family dynamic is explored, rather than ignored, and a common thread throughout the retelling is that of food.
It is, of course, the promise of tea and cake with Silky the fairy which lures Fran to the woods. It is the land of goodies in which she almost gets stuck in.
It is the magic birthday wish cake which causes so much trouble.
Tears were shed over the famous tomato sauce that we hear so much about throughout the film and who can forget the fabulous pop cakes?
This is why a visit to Prezzos, which is a mere two minutes from Cineworld at Brighton Marina, was such a wonderful treat after watching the film.
Usually after a film we bundle into the car and head home, but taking my two children (Nives, 11 and Ivan, 7) to a meal afterwards was perfect for dissecting the film we had just, honestly, completely loved.
Prezzo has created a children’s menu in partnership with the film and the activity sheets and the 3D glasses doled out at the entrance to the airy, modern restaurant reflect this.
My two delighted with spotting the characters on the sheet and filling in the puzzles. They were great conversation starters and there were nods to the film spotted around the menu.
Prezzo’s children’s menu offers two courses from just £8.50, with delicious starters, grills, build-your-own pizzas or pastas, and plenty of options for even the smallest appetites.
While they ordered their starters and mains from the Faraway Tree menu, going for mozzarella sticks with cucumber and garlic bread, I went for ovenbaked king prawns to start.
They ordered drinks: cloudy lemonade for Nives and a fruit shoot for Ivan (which, honestly, you cannot go wrong with. I don’t know how many discarded apple juices I have had to pay for in the past because they ‘tasted spicy’).
I had a refreshing apple and elderflower cooler: sparkling apple juice with elderflower presented like a really fancy mocktail. It was delicious.
The starters came quickly, which is key when dining with children and they were still busy with their activity sheets.
Ivan was happy with the amount of cucumber he got and Nives finished his mozzarella sticks as he was busy colouring. So far, so good.
My ovenbaked prawns were really good. They came with a lemon slice and were swimming in a chilli butter. They were accompanied by focaccia bread, which was perfect for scooping up the sauce. It was a big portion for a starter, so worth the £9.50 price tag.
Mains came quickly after we finished. Ivan ordered spaghetti with meatballs, Nives a burger and chips.
We all decided that the tomato sauce on the spaghetti was definitely the famous spaghetti sauce from the film and so all tried some of Ivan’s.
It tasted really fresh and tangy, as a good tomato sauce should, and he made quick work of the meatballs, which suggests they are excellent as he’s an extremely fussy eater.
The portions are more than generous for a kid’s menu. Ivan didn’t finish his and neither did Nives – “I’m saving space for pudding,” she declared.
Nives said the chips were the best she’s had “since I was on holiday” and had half her burger. I had a bite and it was really good. Fresh bun, good meat to bun ratio and tasted flame grilled.
I ordered the handmade crab and lobster ravioli which was served in a delicious lobster bisque with prawns and cherry tomatoes, with rocket sprinkled on top.
I also ordered sides of tenderstem broccoli and a baby Caesar salad to share with the kids.
Sipping my refreshing drink and eating this very rich food it didn’t feel like a post cinema meal, it felt like a real treat. It’s not just that the food was great – it was, by the way – it was that the restaurant itself is a very well-run operation.
Our waitress was incredibly attentive and the children loved her. The setting of Prezzo, overlooking the marina is incredibly calming and relaxing.
The children were occupied with their activity sheets and chatting about the film. It was incredibly devoid of the usual overstimulating restaurant experience.
We had barely any room left after that feast, but the children wanted to try the Fizz Pops.
This is a dessert inspired by the film, of custard-filled mini doughnut balls covered in white chocolate and sprinkled with chocolate pearls. These were served with gooey chocolate and served with popping candy.
“Pop cakes” they both cried as they covered themselves in chocolate and popping candy. It was great, great fun.
A final, lovely touch was the gift of tomato seeds when leaving.
As I said, a massive part of the film was food, with the redemption arc of one of the main characters being centred around a tomato crop. This wasn’t lost on my two, who declared they would soon grow their very own magic crop.
Bravo Prezzo, well played.
- A note: Prezzo Italian has recently launched its Kids Eat Free Forever initiative. Simply download the Prezzo Italian app and subscribe for just £1.99 per month to enjoy up to three kids’ three-course meals free every time you dine.
The offer can be used once per day – perfect for magical family meals together. - And families can also enter for the chance to win their own magical family adventure in the Forest of Dean, including:
Three nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children
Tickets to explore a magical ancient forest
Up to two hours of high-ropes adventure
A picnic hamper and food & drink bundle
£300 travel allowance
The magic is available now at Prezzo Italian restaurants nationwide, and available up until 19th April.
Prezzo Brighton Marina, 6 The Waterfront, BN2 5WA
