A brand-new stay and play café, the Happy Hub, has opened in Rodbourne and is already proving popular within the community.
Business owner and childminder, Amy Kohn, opened the play café at the end of March. Her husband, Joe Kohn, runs the business alongside assistant Zoe.
The Café was initially set up for Amy’s childminding business as an extra space for the children to play, filled with toys and resources. The original concept changed due to feedback from the local community.
Amy said: “As we started creating it, we were getting members of the public asking ‘when do you open, and can we come in?
“Friends were saying they’d love to come and play. The more these comments happened the more I thought, why can’t we do it as something for the public as well. That’s how it became the Play Cafe.”
The Café is open Monday and Wednesday, 9am to noon, Friday, 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays 9.30am to 12.30pm during term time. The hours are extended during the school holidays. There are a variety of beverages available, including tea, coffee, croissants, cup cakes, biscuits and fruit bags.
The grand opening took place on 25 March.
Amy said: “Eight families came for our first opening morning which we were really pleased with.
“We had a really good morning, it was really busy, the feedback was really lovely, the children all played beautifully.”
“We’ve got a fancy coffee machine that does the lattes. I’m so glad we’ve opened to the public because the reaction from parents, grandparents, childminders, and carers has been so positive.
“Everyone’s said what a beautiful place it is, it’s clean, lots of resources.
“It’s nice to have somewhere to play with your children as well. You go to a standard coffee shop, and you’re just sat at the table. Here children are the priority.”
Joe and Zoe’s job title is Barista play workers, who make drinks, serve snacks and then play with the children. They also chat with the customers offering support and advice.
Amy said: “We’ve been able to signpost a lot of people as well. That wasn’t planned but it’s just the way it’s gone. We ran a dad’s morning, it was dads only which was very popular. “
Feedback for the Play Café has been very positive with one customer saying: ““Brilliant few hours at the Happy Hub. Space was lovely, toys were plentiful, staff were engaging, coffee was good-what’s not to love! Recommend everyone visits.”
In the future Amy is hoping to use the Café as a youth club on Friday evenings. They are hoping to secure some funding so it can be run as an affordable place for the local teenagers.
The cost to stay and play is £2 per child.
The Café is situated at 168 Rodbourne Road, SN2 2AY.
Customers can park for free, all day parking behind the cafe on Morris Street. There is also parking at the nearby Outlet village. The café is also on a main Bus Route.
More details can be found on the cafe's Facebook page: @Happy Hub or by emailing [email protected].
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