Sunday lunch for all the family at Balham's Locale

Freddie

Bert

Uncle Tom came to visit today, so Aunty Harriet joined us for a belated 30th birthday lunch for Tom at Balham baby hotspot Locale.

Situated on the main drag, halfway between Balham and Tooting Bec, Locale is a reasonably-priced, authentic-feel Italian, which welcomes kids and babies, natch. The approachable staff welcomed us straightaway and brought out two sturdy wooden highchairs for us to use. As is often the case in family-friendly restaurants, service was slightly on the slow side, but - once the food has arrived - this is kind of what you want when you have two children at the table.

Freddie and Harriet share a raspberry

Bert, Freddie, spotless!

Bert, Freddie, checking for approval

We shared a sausage and ragu pasta dish with Mummy, and had a taste of her tiramisu (the top layer, without the coffee, obv.) , and generally enjoyed making friends with other customers. Before we left, we gave the table a good wipe, and have been offered a Christmas job. Maybe in 16 years' time we'll hold them to that.

Bert and Tom discuss perils of Oz sharks