With the cost of living becoming increasingly high, many parents will be panicking about what to do with their children during the summer holidays.
Some may even want to take their kids out for a meal, but preferably one that won't break the bank.
Manchester Evening News reporter Emma Gill got more than she bargained for when she took four children for chicken and chips and was left with an eye-watering bill.
Emma opted to head to one of the Trafford Centre's eateries 'Slim Chickens', but she was in for a shock as it wasn't as cheap as she'd hoped.
What do you think about the price? Let us know in the comments...
She wrote: "Planning to keep it simple for the four kids I had in tow, I opted for chicken, chips and a shake for each of us.
"What I wasn't quite prepared for was the price - a shocking £64. That's with three chicken tenders costing £4.80 each, fries costing £3 each and a shake £5 each.
"Slim Chickens has been keen to point out that had I ordered a meal for each person, rather than individual items, I could have upgraded from a soft drink to a shake and saved £2 per person, as well as getting some Texas toast that comes with the meals.
"But I didn't see this option on screen at the kiosk I ordered from and a £10 saving is not a huge amount when the overall bill would have still come in at £54. Plus, it would be helpful if any offers like this were added automatically at the checkout."
Emma then went on to explain that there is a different meal option, which offers two tenders, Texas toast, fries, carrots, cucumber and a carton drink for £5 - but this is reserved for kids 10 and under.
Emma couldn't make the most of that deal as the children with her were aged 11 and 13.
She continued: "As for the products themselves, they were faultless and the food was served quickly by friendly staff.
"While three tenders didn't sound many, they were pretty big, as were the portions of fries and while the chicken got polished off, along with the accompanying honey BBQ dipping sauce, we simply couldn't manage all the fries between us all.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here
"Most likely because of the thick milkshakes, which I have to say were delicious and on another level to the 'more froth than milkshake' kind you get in typical fast food joints."
A spokesperson for Slim Chickens, which also has a branch in Manchester Arndale, said: "You could have got this cheaper by doing it as a meal. We have £5 kids' meals and it’s all cooked fresh. This is not a fast food restaurant.
"Slim Chickens won Multi Site Quick Service Restaurant Of The Year Award 2022 for the UK earlier this month and everyone loves the brand."
He also went on to say: "We have main meals under £10 that include bottomless soda, chicken, chips, two sauces and Texas toast.
"We have the App where you can save and earn points on each visit to receive free sides, sandwiches and meals.
"When you order as a meal you can save on getting a milkshake upgrade for £2 and freezecake for £3."
Where are your favourite kid-friendly cheap eateries? Let us know in the comments.
