This review is focused on Ikea Cafe only.

I have been to the Ikea Cafe probably about 8 times so far this year and I am sure there will be another 8 occasions.

Due to various home improvements projects this year we have been in and out like yoyo's and on almost every occasion have been to the Cafe.

**USING THE IKEA FAMILY CARD AT THE CAFE**
I have an Ikea Family Card which grants you FREE Tea / Coffee when you visit the Cafe. The Family Card itself is free to acquire and I think that this is great. You also get one free refill. They also run promotions where you can purchase a mean meal and pudding for say £1.95 when you produce your Ikea card.

**THE FOOD THEY SERVE**
Ikea is probably almost as well known for its Swedish Meatballs as it is for the reasonably price flatpack furniture and 200 tealights for £1 (or whatever they are selling them for nowadays). I always eat the Swedish Meatballs when we eat here. I have them served with chips, gravy and berries and they are so delicious. There is the option of 10 meatballs( (£3.75), 15 meatballs (£4.25) or 20 meatballs (£5.25). I don't think I could eat 20 (well I could, but I shouldn't) so I generally go for 10 or sometimes 15. They do specials which change regularly; fish and chips, couscous dishes, pasta dishes; salmon dishes; chicken skewers. I have also tried the fish and chips which were very nice.

They have soup of the day (the lentil broth is wonderful) with bread roll (for around £1.50 with a Family Card). There are puddings galore; daim cake, almond cake, chocolate cake, fruit tarts, jellies. There is also a kids section with the Organix Goodies range. I think it is 6 items for £2.20 - which actually works out cheaper than buying them in the supermarket most of the time.

There is a large selection of beverages, both bottled and at self-serve machines past the checkout. You simply collect or glass (for soft drink) or mug (for hot drink), pay for the drink (around 85p for either) and you can then refill once within that price.

For me the biggest bargain is the FREE BABY FOOD. With every puchase of £2 you can get a free jar of baby food. They offer the HiPP organic range of main meals and puddings. We usually manage to get 3 - 4 jars each time we visit, which keeps up stocks of jarred food for when we are travelling or out and about. There is a limited variety to choose from but perhaps the most popular. I have reviewed some of the HiPP Organic baby foods also.

**THE COMFORT**
The seating area is sectioned off in to different types of chair and tables; some very formal wooden tables with smart chairs, some bistro style chairs with round tables, plastic green chairs where the families seem to always sit and some relaxed seating nearer the windows. I can always find a highchair for the little one. They use the Ikea Antilop Highchair with attachable tray in the Cafe and as a result of this my mum has purchased one for the grandchildren to keep at her home.

**OTHER FEATURES**
They have a small play area for the children. I have never seen staff around that area and firmly believe it is a parents responsibility to watch their own children anyway... so watch them!

There is an area with a microwave, baby bottle warmer, childrens plastic plates and bowls and cutlery and even Ikea disposable bibs. I always grab a few to keep on us as they are really handy.

The sauces / sugar / milk / condiments and cutlery section is always well stocked and clean.

The Cafe is a self tidy area, but all you have to do is pop your tray onto the trolley. Its easy peasy and Ikea claim it helps keeps the costs low.

I really recommend Ikea Cafe and using the Family Card in conjunction, for the great special offers and the free tea and coffee.

Review also posted on ciao - theshinyone - July 2009