Your Complete Guide to the Kids Eat Free Offers from Marston's Pubs and Zizzi

The Easter holidays are brilliant, aren't they? Two weeks off school, a bit of sunshine hopefully making an appearance, and an excuse to eat your body weight in chocolate. But keeping the little ones entertained and fed for two whole weeks can sometimes feel like a military operation, and an expensive one at that. Just when the age-old question of 'What's for dinner?' starts to echo around the house, a couple of familiar names have come to the rescue. Marston's pubs and Zizzi are rolling out some fantastic meal deals for the kids this Easter, meaning families can eat out without having to re-mortgage the house. One offer involves a trip into the magical world of a famous children's book, and the other is, quite simply, free. Sorted.

A marvellous Matilda meal for just £1

If there’s one thing that gets kids excited, it’s the wonderfully weird world of Roald Dahl. Now, families can bring a bit of that magic to the dinner table. Across 353 of its pubs, Marston's has launched a fantastic promotion for the Easter holidays where kids can eat for just £1. Yep, a single quid. The offer is simple: for every full-priced adult main meal purchased, one child gets their main meal for a pound. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a classic pub lunch or dinner without the usual cost.

But this isn't just any meal; it's an adventure inspired by one of the most beloved characters in fiction, Matilda. Marston’s has teamed up with The Roald Dahl Story Company to create a special, limited-edition Matilda menu. Forget boring nuggets and chips; this menu features dishes straight out of the story. Young diners can tuck into Miss Trunchbull’s Mighty Meatballs or, for the grand finale, face the challenge of Bruce Bogtrotter’s legendary chocolate cake. It’s a fantastic way to make mealtime memorable, linking food with a classic children's book. This special promotion and the Matilda menu are only available until 19th April, so it's worth checking the availability at a local pub.

And the fun doesn't stop with the food. Over the Easter weekend, many of the pubs will be hosting Matilda’s Marvellous Easter Hunt, giving the kids a chance to burn off some energy. What's more, on the 10th and 11th of April, select locations are holding Matilda’s Marvellous Party, an evening packed with crafts, games, and general fun. It’s a complete Easter experience that goes way beyond just a cheap meal. This offer is a perfect solution for a family day out during the Easter break.

Hop over to Zizzi for a free three-course feast

If Italian food is more the family's style, then the offer from Zizzi is going to sound pretty amazing. Across more than 130 of their restaurants, they are offering a completely free three-course meal for kids. It’s an incredible deal that makes an Easter meal out a total bargain. The offer is available for the whole of the Easter holidays, running from Sunday, 29th March right through to Sunday, 12th April. Families can take advantage of it from Sunday to Friday, giving plenty of opportunities to plan a visit.

So, how does it work? To get this great deal, an adult needs to purchase a main meal, and the family needs to be part of the Zizzi loyalty club, the Zillionaires. Joining is simple and, importantly, free. It’s all done through the Zizzi Zillionaires app, so it can be sorted on a phone in a couple of minutes before making a booking. Once signed up, the kids can choose their feast from the delicious Bambino menu.

The menu itself is designed to please even the pickiest of eaters. For starters, there are carrot and cucumber sticks with dough crusts or pasta crisps. For the main course, there's a choice between a classic Margherita pizza with two toppings or a lovely bowl of fresh pasta with a choice of sauces, from simple Pomodoro to a hearty Bolognese. But the real showstopper is the range of dessert options. The brand-new Candy Floss Sundae is sure to be a massive hit. It’s made with vanilla gelato, two mini cones, and a strawberry coulis to pour over the top, all finished with a cloud of freshly spun candy floss. For those wanting something a bit different, other options include chocolate gelato, a Chilly Billy Ice Lolly, or a healthy Kids Fruit Pot. This menu has something for every child.

What you need to know before you go

Both of these offers are perfect for making the Easter holidays a bit easier on the wallet, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly. It's always a good idea to check the specifics before heading out.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Marston's Pubs – Kids eat for £1

• One £1 kids' meal per full-priced adult main

• The Matilda menu is available until 19th April

• Easter Hunt runs over the Easter weekend

• Special party on 10th/11th April

• Check availability with your local pub (school holiday dates may vary)

Zizzi – Kids eat free

• Free three-course meal from the Bambino menu per adult main

• Must be a member of the Zillionaires club (free to join)

• Promotion runs from Sunday, 29th March to Sunday, 12th April

• Valid Sunday to Friday only (not Saturdays)

• Booking is highly recommended during busy periods

Whether it’s a magical meal with Matilda or a free Italian feast, these deals are a fantastic way to treat the family without worrying about the cost. With food and fun covered, it’s one less thing to think about during the school break.