The Backyard at Briars: A Huge Play Area + Fine Dining Flair in Concord

We walk in and say: ‘Wow, that is a HUGE outdoor play area.’

It’s always a treat to find a restaurant which has a great play area for kids, but The Backyard at Concord has one that is way beyond anything else we’ve seen before.

There’s a vast astroturfed play space with basketball nets, balls… and space, space, space to play.

Looking towards the deck seating from the play area.

The Backyard is the family-friendly restaurant at Briars Sports, a bowling club and sports club in Concord. One of the greens has been astroturfed to make the huge play area.

This vast space is entirely and securely fenced – a parents’ joy.

But don’t think the Backyard is all about the play space – just wait, there’s more.

The chef is a local whose fine dining experience certainly shows in the luscious food on offer.

This is not your standard bowling club fare.

Hold on a minute though, there’s more playing to be done, got to build up an appetite.

There were children of all ages enjoying the swathes of sward when we visited. A small undercover area has soft play, so fear not if rain is forecast. There’s no stopping these kids!

The BACKYARD aims to be simple, but this is a step beyond what you’d normally find at the local bowlo.  The classics are all there, like fish and chips, parmigiana and burgers. But check out the chicken schnitzel pictures below, it’s served with mushrooms, thyme, cream and parmesan. Very good!

There are share plates for starters, we tried the fried cauliflower with herbs, pomegranate and tahini.

The cauliflower share plate easily did us as a starter Ms11 enjoyed the chicken schnitzel. Here’s she’s going for the chips first. Fork, my child! I chose from the Grill section: barramundi with Sicilian oregano and aged balsamic. It’s served with the Wild Rice Signature Salad, yummy

The kids menu has pasta, fish and chips, steak, chicken parmigiana, chicken schnitzel and cheeseburger.

Top quality, locally sourced ingredients are used here, and much is made in house, for example the charcuterie board includes house cured meats.

For dessert, the Buttermilk Panna Cotta served with berries, kaffir lime, mint, orange, passionfruit and homemade mango leather, which was posivitely succulent.

14 Ian Parade, Concord NSW 2137

The BACKYARD website is here – find menus here

Find the BACKYARD on Facebook here

Open: For lunch and dinner seven days a week

Kids activities: colouring in indoors, toys and space outdoors

High chairs: yes

Childrens’ menu: yes

Baby change: yes in family bathroom in sports car

Parking: There is a car park at Briars Sports Club as well as free street parking on Ian Parade

Mum’s Report: Do make a booking for large groups and busy time. Call ahead to have a chat about yoyr own needs or to ask for quieter times. The staff are very helpful and friendly.

The BACKYARD makes a terrific spot for get togethers, family dinners, birthdays and anniversaries. The food is MUCH better than your average club. The space to play is what will matter most to the kids, but the grown ups will return for the food.

Well played, the BACKYARD, in every way.

Kids rushing around, great way to burn off  dessert

We were guests of The BACKYARD at Briars Sports, many thanks for hosting the two of us.