Percy’s Playground at The Stirling Arms in Guildford is so much more than your standard pub with a playground. In fact, it’s actually a completely separate venue to the pub, with no internal link between the two. You have to walk around the outside if you want to go into the main pub, but to be honest, you really don’t need to – everything you need for a relaxed family lunch is right there at Percy’s.
Owner Jesse told me this had once been an under-used space and they have put a lot of love into creating a welcoming spot for families to enjoy. It has the feel of a more established spot, with shady trees and lovely landscaping. There’s loads of room for strollers and plenty of highchairs.
The first thing you’ll notice is the huge central play area, surrounded by many shaded picnic tables. Loads of shade sails makes a massive difference on a sunny day (sun cream is also available at the bar), and the whole area feels like it’s been properly thought through especially for families dining and socialising.
The wooden fort‑style play equipment is super cute, with a slide, balancing logs, boulders and lots of little corners to explore.
There’s a real nature play element that younger kids will love.
Near the fort, there’s a separate sandpit ‘Finn’s Corner’ filled with buckets and spades.
Plus, there’s a soft‑play area with a small ball pit and extra toys for toddlers, so even the littlest visitors have something to do.
While the kids are busy, you can grab a drink from the small bar on site (in plastic cups), or simply order food and drinks using the handy QR codes on the tables. We found the food to be well above your average pub fare.
I had a steak sandwich, we also tried the chicken burger, and both were really tasty, well cooked and generous.
The kids were stoked with their kids meals, which come in a bento‑style container.
As well as their main item (they chose fish and chips, and nuggets and chips), they had little bits to graze on – cheese, strawberry, cucumber, plus sauce, and even a Freddo Frog. Pizzas are also on the menu, with a few different kids options, including plain cheese and a dessert pizza.
It’s perfect for those kids who like to pick at a few different things rather than tuck into one big plate.
One thing I really loved was how thought‑through the restrooms are. They’re non‑gendered, which is brilliant for dads doing the toilet run with little ones, and there’s a small toilet just for young children and a handy step at the sinks so they can reach the taps on their own.
There’s also an easy, clean, practical space for baby changing, which makes life that bit less stressful.
Parking is easy, with a large carpark at the rear of the pub; that’s also where the entrance to Percy’s Playground is located.
We spent a relaxing couple of hours kicking back while the kids explored. I’d recommend Percy’s Playground for kids ten and under. The teenager and Miss 12 didn’t have much to do, but were happy to sit at the table and chat.
The best part is knowing the kids running round having fun is not bothering regular pub patrons who are there without kids. Everyone gets to enjoy their day, which feels like a win all round.
Find Percy’s Playground at The Stirling Arms, James Street, Guildford.
https://www.thestirlingarms.com.au/percys-playground/
Discover more things to do in the nearby Swan Valley here.
Amanda and her family dined as guests of the Stirling Arms, all images, words and opinions are her own.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
