My kids did their homework as soon as they got home. They could have snacks and chat, but the work was there to be done. We were all happier getting it out of the way, and they had some play time before dinner.
Now, in their final years of high school, they are completely responsible for their own schedule, and they do very well in school.
I always felt that playing for awhile then coming back to homework caused them to lose their momentum. I know it would for me. I'd always rather get the hard part over so I can relax.