45 best ski hotels & resorts in North America

A wonderfully charming B&B in South Lake Tahoe, renowned for its cosiness, hospitality, and location – and just a two-minute shuttle ride (or 14-minute walk) from the Heavenly base station. There are 13 log cabin-style bedrooms that are decked out in wood and filled with cosy quilts and cushions.

Guests can roast marshmallows on the fire pit on the lodge patio, or cook up burgers on the barbecue. Breakfast is included in the room rate and changes daily, ranging from eggs and fresh fruit to pancakes.

Owners Michelle and Garrett (who live on-site) lay on happy hours with free drinks and appetizers, to encourage guests to meet each other and learn more about the area.

Built in 1919 as a miners’ lodge, this boutique B&B is located two blocks from Crested Butte’s main street, Elk Avenue. Guests hop on the free shuttle to the ski hill, six minutes’ drive away.

The bedrooms are on the small side, but the beds are comfy, and some have superb views of the surrounding Elk Mountains. Ghost Room #11 is named after the hotel’s resident (and friendly) ghost.

Breakfasts are a highlight – blueberry pancakes one morning, Mexican bean casserole the next. There’s also a well-stocked games room, library, indoor hot tub and in-house masseuse. The owners, Mike and Amy Nolan, are avid skiers and happy to share tips on where to find the best snow.

This large and luxurious hotel has an unbeatable location, at the base of Alyeska resort, just steps from the scenic Aerial Tram; in just three minutes guests are transported to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Most bedrooms have views of the Chugach Mountains, though the best can be found from the top floor Summit Rooms.

The artwork inside the hotel is just as striking – Hotel Alyeska takes pride in showcasing local artists, and many of the art pieces on display are for sale.

After skiing, guests make a beeline for the indoor saltwater pool and huge 16-person hot tub, both of which are housed in a beautiful space with a vaulted wood-beam ceiling.

In winter, guests can ask for a wake-up call to view the Northern Lights.

America’s answer to Zermatt, Aspen is the most expensive ski resort in the country – which makes this central yet affordable B&B-style hotel a real gem. Located within walking distance of the Silver Queen Gondola, it’s one of the few remaining old-time ski lodges in Aspen (dating back to 1954).

Its rooms are spacious and light; many feature the original 1950s furniture, while others have lovely mountain views. The solar-heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room are just the ticket for easing tired ski muscles, while the games room (pool table, foosball, piano) is ideal for kids and groups.

The hotel hosts regular live music acts in its cosy lounge.

Perched on the shore of Twin Lakes – just one mile from Mammoth Mountain ski resort – this historic lodge dates back to 1924 and is the epitome of rustic charm.

Guests can choose from the rooms in the main lodge or the self-catering wood cabins; all are super cosy, with embroidered bed throws and plump cushions. The views of the lake and mountainside are reason enough to visit.

Aperitifs are served every evening in the fire-lit lounge, before guests retire to supper in the Lakefront Restaurant, with its creative food and excellent service.

It’s obviously removed from the slopes, but it’s excellent value for those on a budget and a shuttle runs throughout the day, making it easy for you to get to the slopes and back. The east entrance of Yosemite National Park is a 45-minute drive – another great reason to stay.

Jackson Hole is one of the most expensive ski resorts in North America, so this hotel – which offers luxury with a low price tag – is a real find. Located in the town of Jackson, the skiing takes place up at Teton Village, a 15-minute drive north.

Hotels in Teton (and thus close to the lifts) are far more expensive, but the Lodge offers a free shuttle bus to the slopes, making it easy to get back and forth. In addition, a courtesy car is on hand to whisk guests into the centre of town, five minutes away, at any time.

Guests wake to a full American breakfast, and return to cocktails in the cosy fireside lounge. There’s also a smart indoor-to-outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness centre.

This intimate boutique hotel, housed in a traditional wood and stone lodge, is ideally located in the heart of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, just a few minutes’ walk from the main gondola.

The 11 bedrooms are smart and spacious, featuring hand-crafted wood furniture, incredibly comfy feather-down beds, and balconies with mountain views.

After skiing, guests can unwind in the cosy lounge, with its big sofas, stone fireplace, books shelves and board games, before refuelling at the Lodge’s buzzy bistro, popular for its tasty burgers and local craft beers.

This iconic boutique hotel, located at the base of Steamboat Spring’s main gondola, is the resort’s only true ski-in, ski-out hotel.

Housed in one of Steamboat’s original village buildings, the hotel has a fresh, contemporary feel, helped by some whimsical art (think paint-by-numbers murals in the hallways). There’s a strong wellness theme here too, with expert-led fitness programs encouraging personal growth and connections with nature.

Apres Ski comes in the form of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and the slope-side restaurant and bar, Ptom’s. Skiers can refuel on elk chilli and shrimp tacos sat around the patio fire pits, or in the cosy bar. In the mornings, there are ‘grab and go’ breakfast burritos for skiers keen to catch the first chair.

Montana warmth meets an alpine luxe aesthetic at this ski-in, ski-out hotel, the best accommodation in the Big Sky village sited just metres from the main gondola.

Fresh off a transformative renovation, it’s a relaxed, contemporary vibe with 213 rooms, many rooms overlook Lone Mountain, the centrepiece of the resort and a signature feature of the Madison Range.

The 200+ rooms include a mix of family rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, so great for groups and families.

Don’t just visit in winter – in summer there is a host of outdoor adventures on offer, and Yellowstone National Park is only an hour away.

This family-run, chalet-style B&B is set on an acre of woodland in the centre of the Panorama Mountain Resort – a short walk to the lifts, a run right back to the front door, so guests can ski straight back at the end of the day.

There’s a cosy, cabin-like feel to the place – lots of oak, cedar, granite and slate – with art deco touches; red velvet carpet leads to the six bedrooms, with an ornate chandelier glistening above the staircase.

The owners, Phil and Clare Marshall from the UK (hence the name), have thought of every detail to ensure a ‘home from home’ experience, from the tasty home-cooked meals to the lounge filled with games. Guests get complimentary access to the Panorama Springs Pools, a short walk away.

This luxurious hotel is surrounded by majestic pine forest on Lake Tahoe’s south shore, a mile from Heavenly’s base station (there is a complimentary shuttle).

Inspired by national park lodges, its monumental lake-view lounge boasts 38-foot-high windows, and a grand staircase made from local hewn logs.

Despite the hotel’s size it feels super cosy, with roaring fires in the public spaces and bedrooms, and lots of nooks for lounging. The 8,500-square-foot spa includes a sublime heated lakeside pool, while the Frank Gehry-designed Brooks Bar is the place for a post-piste beer with a view.

Bistro, one of the hotel’s three restaurants, is one of the most popular places to eat in South Lake Tahoe.

This posh, castle-esque hotel is set on tree-lined grounds outside the bustle of Whistler’s main village – yet the slopes are just a five-minute walk away. From the lofty wood-beamed ceiling in the lobby to the stone fireplaces in the bedrooms, the hotel has a cosy, mountain lodge vibe.

The hotel’s pool complex is one of the best in Whistler, featuring an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, adults-only lap pool (complete with underwater music), hot tubs, and eucalyptus steam rooms – plus plenty of lounging space for soaking up the mountain vistas.

Families are well taken care of, with free kids’ meals at the hotel’s highly-rated restaurants.

This landmark ski-in, ski-out hotel is at the heart of the Mont Tremblant action, with the pedestrian village on one side, and a high-speed chairlift on the other. The pool complex is fantastic: indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and mountain views aplenty.

For parents who can prise their kids away from the water action, there is marshmallow toasting on the outdoor fire pits every evening after 4pm. Evenings are spread across several dining and take-out options, but the breakfast buffet at Le Comptoir – with its legendary maple syrup crepes – is a must-do.

A luxurious mountain oasis has an understated Western style. Rooms and suites come feature earthy colours, dark wood, stone and Native American rugs. Some boast sublime views of the Grand Tetons from their private balcony.  The hotel pampers guests with multiple services, two restaurants, and a lounge, and at the end of a day’s activities, guests can rejuvenate in the excellent spa.

In summer, the hotel offers an array of activities from mountain biking in the Tetons to naturalist excursions in the Yellowstone National Park. In winter, the hotel has ski-in/ski-out access to the wild and gnarly Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The ski concierge is on hand to help guests get the most from their ski time, assisting with lift tickets, rental equipment, even advising on the best trails.

The slope-side Ascent Lounge is a popular post-ski spot, featuring one of the resort’s few wood-burning fireplaces, and serving up freshly squeezed margaritas and pan-Asian-inspired sharing plates.

This sophisticated, high-end hotel is located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, a five-minute walk from the lifts and a 10-minute stroll from the village centre.

Slightly removed from the action, it has a peaceful and laidback vibe. The spacious bedrooms and suites are made for lounging – the dark wood accents and neutral tones are calming after a day on the slopes, and there are cozy fireside sofas to curl into. And those mountain views – wow.

Skiers can warm up for a day on the slopes with a yoga, pilates, or stretching class, or unwind after skiing in the outdoor cedar wood barrel saunas. The large outdoor heated pool is a big hit with kids, as are the nightly movie screenings in the library.

Located at the foot of Vail Mountain, this lavish hotel boasts wonderfully spacious bedrooms – its 575-square-foot standard room is the largest of its kind in the valley. They are luxurious, too, with stone fireplaces and limestone bathrooms featuring stand-alone soaking tubs.

The ski concierge has a reputation for being the best in the business, on hand to arrange equipment rentals, provide maps, even help guests put their ski boots on.

The Remedy Bar has a lively apras-ski scene, while the Flame restaurant serves up a hearty breakfast with build-your-own omelettes, pancakes and fresh pastries. The slopes are a short walk, or free shuttle ride, away.

Housed in a beautiful red brick building on Main Street, this classy, central hotel has been an Aspen landmark since 1889.  Jerome entices guests with its Victorian-era antique charm, boasting a hand-carved grand staircase, soaring glass atrium, and cosy saloon-style bar.

Starting at 525 square feet, Jerome’s bedrooms are some of the largest in Aspen, featuring leather beds, chrome chandeliers, and minibars stocked with Aspen products. There’s a small – but sublime – spa in the hotel’s basement, offering botanical treatments and post-ski massages.

In winter, a hotel shuttle whisks skiers to and from the slopes (five blocks away) in minutes, while in summer, skiing is replaced by hiking, biking, horse riding, and climbing. The hotel can arrange all of these activities, and more, upon request.

This Limelight hotel is housed in a handsome brick building on Sun Valley’s main street, a few blocks from the base station. It embodies the same ‘fun, unfussy luxury’ that can be found at its sister hotels in Aspen and Snowmass, making it ideal for families.

The Lounge is the hub of the place, where skiers meet for après-ski happy hour, and fabulous wood-fired pizzas are served every evening. It’s also the stage for regular live music acts.

The outdoor pool has elevated hot tubs that are perfectly positioned to take in the views of Bald Mountain.

When it’s time to ski, guests hop on the free shuttle to Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.

This chic, eco-friendly boutique hotel sits at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, steps from the iconic aerial tram. Developed by a former extreme skier, the hotel has a hip mountain vibe – think funky furniture, antler-adorned walls, and local art in the hallways.

After a day experiencing Jackson Hole’s legendary pistes – or hiking them during the summer months – the rooftop spa is the ultimate R&R retreat, with an outdoor hot tub and treatments using eco-friendly, 100% natural products. Most guests follow up with dinner at the Italian restaurant, with its open pizza oven, salumi bar and handmade pasta.

Terra is within walking distance to the tram, the main lift to access Jackson Hole’s ski terrain. In the winter months, the on-site ski valet takes the hassle out of renting, and storing, equipment, while in summer the hotel can arrange hiking, biking, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

This intimate all-suite hotel is set among landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Tremblant, a short walk from the Express gondola. Renowned for its outstanding service, a ski valet drops guests’ equipment close to the lift, while a log valet fires up in-room fireplaces for their return.

The hotel’s signature French restaurant is one of Tremblant’s chicest, with inventive dishes including foie gras ice cream. The wine bar is excellent too, with a 6,000-bottle cellar and certified sommeliers on hand to give tastings.

The outdoor infinity pool, with its sweeping lake views, boasts one of the best vantage points in the whole of Mont Tremblant.

Opened winter 2018, this is one of Snowmass’ newest hotels, boasting the same fun, laid-back luxury that has made the Limelight Hotels in Aspen and Ketchum so popular.

The hotel is the ultimate play-park, featuring its own five-story-high climbing wall, plus a kids’ room packed full of toys and games, with the village ice skating rink just outside the front door. Parents’ post-ski R&R comes in the form of two outdoor spa pools.

The hotel offers a range of ‘Limelight adventures’, including a behind-the-scenes look at how the Ski Patrol close the mountain every evening.

The ski-in, ski-out location is excellent: right by the Elk Camp gondola, in the heart of the Snowmass base village. The hotel offers daily shuttles to nearby Aspen, Highlands and Buttermilk.

This ski-in, ski-out hotel underwent a $10 million renovation in 2020-21, waving goodbye to its lodge-themed decor and welcoming a new chic and modern design with wood, fur, fireplaces and artwork aplenty. There’s a mix of guest rooms and suites, the latter of which have sleek Scandi-style kitchens.

There are two restaurants where skiers can refuel on dishes such as Rocky Mountain elk chilii, and line-caught wild salmon.

Guests love the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, with their panoramic Rocky Mountain views. The hotel also offers a range of experiences, from dog sledding to heli trips over the San Sophia ridgeline.

This seven-story, chateau-style hotel takes centre stage in Beaver Creek village, just a ski pole’s throw from the slopes. Lavish and spacious, some of the suites feel truly palatial, boasting oversized furniture, lush fabrics, grand fireplaces and gleaming marble bathrooms. Alpine views through vast windows complete the package.

For guests who can peel themselves away from their bedrooms, the award-winning luxury spa is popular for its Aqua Sanitas Roman baths experience – a series of soaks, steams, and saunas. Hearty dinners and local craft beers are served in the open-kitchen restaurant, 8100 Mountainside.

Set just yards from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is the older, slopeside sister of the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre.

The all-suite hotel (all rooms have kitchens) boasts fantastic views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the best of which can be found in the upper-level suites. There are more splendid views outside, from the heated saltwater pool and two hot tubs.

The hub of the hotel is the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, famed for its signature steak and Guinness pie, and fish and chips. It has live music most evenings.

One Ski Hill Place has a prime position in Breckenridge, located just steps from the base of Peak 8, with direct access to four chairlifts and the gondola into town. It strikes an impressive balance of being luxurious and yet wholly family-friendly at the same time.

Parents can relax in the grand lobby with its three-sided fireplace and sink-into sofas, or have a treatment at the plush spa. Meanwhile, teens can retreat to the games room or movie lounge, or go bowling at the mine shaft-themed bowling alley (designed after the historic mining shafts found in the Breckenridge area).

There are also two indoor pools – including a shallow, jet-enhanced kids’ splash pool – and an outdoor hot tub.

Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance Mountain Resort is situated on 5,000 acres of wilderness at the base of Mount Timpanogos in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. It’s the ultimate rustic mountain retreat, with the added kudos of the link to Hollywood royalty.

The mountainside cabins – which range from studios to seven-bedroom units – feature wood-planked walls and floors, exposed beams, stone-clad fireplaces and woollen blankets.

The award-winning Tree Room restaurant (housed in a cabin constructed around an actual tree) is filled with Native American art and offers a candlelit fine dining experience. Guests can expect Rocky Mountain classics like bison and steelhead trout – this is a place for those who really want a sense of wilderness alongside their skiing,

This ski-in, ski-out hotel is a fabulous fusion of old and new. Housed in Alta’s oldest mining shack, dating back to the 1800s, Snowpine Lodge underwent a huge $40m renovation in 2019, transforming it into the resort’s newest and most luxurious hotel.

It still features many of the original wood beams and exposed stone walls, alongside distinctly modern décor; bedrooms are elegantly minimalist with plush beds and slope-side views.

Snowpine Lodge is a big hit with families, who love the convenience of the in-house ski shop and on-site kids’ amenities – there are two games rooms, plus a heated outdoor pool with a volleyball net.

Located mid-mountain at Deer Valley, this classic ski lodge opened in 1982 and was inspired by the Olympic legend Stein Eriksen and his Norwegian heritage. As such, it has a distinctly Scandinavian feel, decorated with Norwegian sleds and featuring 145 stone fireplaces.

The hotel boasts one of Utah’s most lauded restaurants, Glitretind – fine dining (the desserts are to die for) accompanied by superb views of the Wasatch Mountains.

Families are warmly welcomed here – the hotel has a child-friendly outdoor pool, games room and shows free movies daily at the on-site theatre.

For skiers who prioritise slope access above all else, the Waldorf Astoria comes up trumps. It has its own gondola just steps from the front door, whisking guests up to Canyons Village base area in minutes (a dedicated ski valet places guests’ equipment at the gondola each morning).

There is a beautiful heated outdoor pool, with mountain views, and a spa with an extensive treatment menu.

Esteemed Austria chef Hermann Schaefer is in charge of the food, which guests can enjoy in the classy restaurant, Powder, or in the privacy of their room/suite with the hotel’s in-room dining option.

Opened in 1941, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this intimate heritage hotel is renowned for its outstanding personal service and cosy mountain lodge style.

Bedrooms feature custom-made furniture, locally handcrafted bedspreads, and eclectic art – over 170 pieces of original Western art valued at over $1.2 million are on display throughout the hotel.

The Wort is all about comfort; guests can leave their order on their door the night before and have breakfast delivered to them in the morning. Meanwhile, a private ski shuttle is on hand to whisk them to the slopes at any time.

Just steps from the Silver Queen gondola, Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel is the quintessential place to stay in Aspen if you want to be in the centre of it all. Popular with Aspen A-listers, ‘The Nell’ lives up to its five-star, five-diamond status with impeccable service (the staff will know your name from the moment you check in), plush amenities, and a sleek contemporary mountain style.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Element 47, serves up sophisticated seasonal dishes and boasts a phenomenal 20,000-bottle wine collection. The slope-side Ajax Tavern, which draws a lively après-ski crowd in winter, and is a lovely spot for alfresco summer drinks.

The outdoor heated pool and hot tub are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Aspen Mountain – just the place to unwind after a day skiing, or summer activities including hiking, fly-fishing and off-road tours.

This chic and intimate hotel has an unbeatable ski-in, ski-out location, just 20 yards from Taos’ main chairlift. But it’s the hotel’s museum-worthy art collection and flawless service that guests rave about most –

the hallways that lead to the well-appointed rooms, suites and penthouses are lined with rare Georgia O’Keeffe lithographs and Gustave Baumann prints. Guests can request an art tour from the main desk.

The text-based concierge service makes booking restaurants or ski guides super-easy, and the eucalyptus-infused steam rooms are just the ticket after a day’s skiing.

This is a great family option in one of America’s most unique ski resorts.

Opened in winter 2018, the Josie is the region’s first boutique hotel, and the first ski-in, ski-out hotel to open in Canada in over a decade.

Named after one of the town’s most notable mines, the Josie Mine, there’s nothing dark and dingy about this place – the guest rooms, studios and suites boast plush bedding, spacious bathrooms and heated floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stellar views of Red Mountain and the Rossland Range.

Quebec-born chef Marc-Andre Choquette heads the restaurant, with a French-influenced seasonal menu.

Guests get post-mountain recovery at the spa, with its panoramic slope-side cedar barrel saunas (complete with glass walls for people-watching).

This is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Vail Village, a short walk from the main lifts. It has impeccable service: guests can expect daily greetings by name, flawless room service and a ski valet who will take their gear to and from the slopes.

The bedrooms and suites all feature 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets and posh bathrooms. Some have fabulous views of the Rockies.

The hotel’s art collection is a big draw – limited-edition sculptures and paintings grace the walls. The outdoor mountain-view pool and hot tubs are another highlight, as is the hotel’s Leonora restaurant, which offers gourmet-esque dishes inspired by local ingredients.

Note, prices skyrocket in January and February – it’s much better value in the shoulder seasons. Also don’t discount non-ski seasons. A host of summer activities is on offer, including an exclusive 2-night stay in a luxury tent in the Rocky Mountains.

Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, this is Stowe’s only ski-in/ski-out hotel. Its bedrooms and suites are beautifully decorated with Vermont artisan products, such as Simon Pearce lamps and paintings from the Vermont Fine Art Gallery. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame mountain views, the best of which are found in the top-floor rooms facing Mount Mansfield.

There is a 21,000-square-foot spa and several on-site eateries. The Beanery is ideal for grabbing a hot breakfast on the go; Skinny Pancake is the place for a midday crepe; Solstice is for refined farm-to-table dinners.

The hotel has won accolades for its environmentally friendly design and green policies.

This beautiful hotel is located slope-side in Deer Valley, just a short slide to/from the green Deer Hollow ski run. It has a real wow factor – from the splendid two-story stone and wood lobby to the luxurious country-chic bedrooms, boasting elegant marble bathrooms and Juliette balconies, giving panoramic views overlooking the slopes.

The piece de resistance is the hotel’s apres-ski ‘ski beach’, a 3,000-square-foot terrace with sun loungers, a fire garden, and a two-tier heated infinity swimming pool. After a relaxing dip, guests can refuel on Utah elk and Maine diver scallops in Rime, the hotel’s signature restaurant, with hydration provided by its 10,000-bottle wine cellar.

Revelstoke’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel is located at the base of the resort, just metres from the Revelation Gondola. It has a mix of condo-style one- and two-bedroom suites; all are spacious and feature fully-fitted kitchens and bathrooms with soaker tubs and rainfall shower heads. The upper floor rooms have fantastic views of Mount Mackenzie.

After a day spent conquering North America’s longest vertical descent, the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are just the ticket. The Rockford Wok restaurant is popular for its Asian-themed suppers, while the Baguette café is perfect for grabbing breakfast on the go, with pastries, sandwiches, and locally-roasted coffee.

Located mid-mountain at Northstar, this is a hotel for skiers who want to be in the thick of the ski scene – the slopes are on the doorstep, and to access the village guests simply hop on the Highlands Gondola.

The hotel manages to be supremely luxurious and cosy at the same time; instead of a traditional lobby, there is a massive living room, with comfy armchairs and fireplaces – the perfect spot for a post-ski cocktail. Rooms have a cosy cabin feel, with plaid curtains, big cushions and throws.

A ski valet has guests’ boots warmed and ready to go upon request, and takes their gear the moment they no longer need it. Skiers can unwind in the heated outdoor pools and the 17,000-square-foot slope-side spa, with its array of pampering treatments.

Rustic, refined and family-friendly – this luxe ski-in/ski-out hotel, at the base of Beaver Creek, ticks all the boxes. The bedrooms and suites have a mountain lodge vibe – all timber and stone, and oversized, handcrafted furniture.

The spa is one of the best in town, an oasis of relaxation with steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools and a stone-lined grotto with a heated pool and loungers. While the spa is very much a couple’s space, the hotel is well geared towards families.

Parents can enjoy a cocktail in the Great Room lounge (warmed by a three-story, wood-burning fire), while kids can refuel with complimentary hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. The Ritz Kids club is the icing on the proverbial fun cake, with snowshoe scavenger hunts and pizza parties.

Located atop Empire Pass, this chic hotel provides ski-in/ski-out to the slopes of Deer Valley. On the one hand, Montage Deer Valley is the ultimate adults’ retreat, with its 35,000-square-foot spa sanctuary, refined signature restaurant, and wine-tasting experiences.

On the other hand, it’s unashamedly child friendly; all of the rooms and suites can be connected and there’s an excellent kids’ club with crafts, movies and outdoor activities like snowshoeing.

There is even a bowling alley at Daly’s Pub & Rec, so the kids are kept amused while they wait for their beer-battered fish and chips, or brick-oven pizza, to arrive.