A new children’s play café launched by a Swindon couple has opened on Rodbourne Road and could offer a lifeline to struggling parents.
Happy Hub, at 168 Rodbourne Road, opened its doors for the first time on Monday, March 25, and offers Swindon's first-of-its-kind children's play/cafe setting.
The café costs just £2 per child for entry and parents are welcome to stay as long as they like, with teas, coffees, cake and children’s toys in abundance.
Owner Amy Kohn, who is a childminder by trade, says that it has been her dream to open a setting like this to try and help parents who need a bit of support or a way to get out of the house.
"I wanted to create a space where parents can come and play but also get support from us," Amy told the Adver.
"We're probably the only baristas you'll find in Swindon that can talk all things Peppa Pig while making a brew and are happy to join in play with the parents and children.
“Since Covid, a lot of mums have struggled to get to groups and mix with other parents and children, and it can feel very isolating," she explained.
“We hope that we can provide a place to come and meet new parents and make friends, as well as help parents who are struggling to know how to play with their children, or need that extra support or signposting."
Amy, who is a mother to six children, is being ably assisted by her husband Joe and barista/play worker Zoe who has helped to run a previous toddler group.
The cafe offers drinks and cakes as well as a place to play, and these refreshments are an additional cost but kept at very low prices to keep the experience as affordable as possible.
"It's going great so far. We've had a steady flow of all ages coming through the door - mums come in groups and parents that come alone," said Amy.
"We don’t allow pushchairs inside just because we have quite a small space but we do have a secure storage shed for them out the back," she added.
Amy's husband Joe even hopes to open up the space for an evening youth club for teenagers in the future, with computer consoles and games aimed more at older children.
Happy Hub will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings.
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