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Food & Drink

The Best Play Cafes in London

By Lucy Brooks on 23/8/2022

We pictured motherhood full of outings and catch ups over flat whites and pastries. But the reality of wangling babies and toddlers into charming eateries can be stressful: hyperactive kids refusing to be pinned down, creative cooking that won't cater to low-salt and fussy toddlers, and each shriek provoking tuts from tables full of laptop-tapping remote workers. Sure, an iPad and some well-timed snacks help, but what if you could enjoy a cafe, while your little ones had a stimulating space to play and explore? Enter London's newest trend: Play Cafes. A more stylish take on soft play (think imagination-boosting props, rather then germ-infested ball pits), Play Cafes put equal emphasis fun and snacks for kids and appealing food and relaxing spaces for their adults.

Macaroni Penguin, Woolwich

This stylish, Scandic-Inspired play space is so chic it will ruin for your other soft plays. There's a squidgy surface baby space and a double-decker climbing frame featuring tunnels and a slide with no age limit (although it's probably not exciting enough to occupy over 6s for too long). Instead of primary colours and loads of plastic, it's all natural woods and muted tones. The menu is limited to bubble tea and waffles, but both are done to an impressively expert level, with small-batch artisan teas made using the whole leaves with carefully managed temperatures. There's also free wifi in case you plan to attempt some work emails while the little ones are happily occupied.

Play sessions are one hour long, cost £7.50 for one child (£12 for two and £18 for three) and must be booked in advance. Click here to book.

WHEN

Open daily, 10:30am - 4:30pm

WHERE

28 Royal Crest Avenue, London E16 2TE

Toconoco, Haggerston

Named after the Japanese word for 'kids on the floor', this family-friendly cafe is all about creating a space where little ones don't have to be confined to a highchair. Food is very much the focus with homemade Japanese fare ranging from full meals to toddler snacks, with a particularly great desert selection (the black sesame ice cream is a favourite). But the game-changer is the dedicated play room, which is open to all and can be used for as long as you like.

You can reserve a table for up to 10 people for 90 minutes. But this is very much a walk in spot, so no need to plan too far ahead.

WHEN

Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm; closed Tuesdays

WHERE

Unit A, 28 Hertford Road London N1 5QT

Bear + Wolf, Tufnell Park

On first glance, Bear + Wolf is exactly the buzzy, stylish kind of cafe where you might feel awkward about a sticky, squawky baby. But that's the best thing about it. This is a vibrant London cafe, with a coffee, smoothie and sandwich menu to attract plenty of locals, but it also has a whole playroom. The clubroom is full of toys and is free to anyone who's using the cafe.

Walk ins, no reservations.

WHEN

:30am-5pm Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5pm Saturday & Sunday

WHERE

153 Fortess Road, NW5 2HR, London

Dreamcatcher, Crystal Palace

The play room at this popular Crystal Palace cafe is always open, so you can swing by for coffee or lunch safe in the knowledge that there will be plenty of toys to keep little ones happy. Along with the standard brunch heroes and sandwiches, we love the kiddie tapas, where you chose from a selection of picky foods, and the teddy toast.

Walk ins, no reservations.

WHEN

9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday; 10am - 5pm Sundays

WHERE

24 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 1RX

Maggie and Rose Cafe, Islington

Maggie and Rose is a family private members' club that makes parenting easy by combining exciting play spaces with adult relaxation zones. You can experience it without paying for membership at the Islington cafe, which is open to the public. The lounge area has a small play area, which is ideal for babies on the move and energetic toddlers. There's also a selection of Art Trays for crafty fun and a community book exchange. The coffee and freshly-made sandwiches and salads are served quickly (for impatient children) and can be savoured in peace, or over a grown up chat while children run free. The location also makes it a great pit-stop on a to Islington's charming Little Angel puppet theatre.

WHEN

Open 9am-5pm Weds - Fri; 10am-5pm weekends; closed Mon and Tues

WHERE

Islington Square, 116 Upper Street, London N1 1AB

Apple Tree Play Cafe, Herne Hill

Apple Tree Play Cafe founder Emily came up with the concept of her open plan play space when trying to keep her energetic toddler safe on outings while also tending to a newborn. Channelling her experience as a primary school teacher, she has masterminded a space that under-5s can explore, all while staying in full sight of their parents. So crucially you can stay sitting down, without having to venture into a soft play vortex to check your toddler's not stuck in a tunnel. At the original Herne Hill site, the fun centres around a regularly-changing role play area to pique imaginations and encourage interactive play. There's also a climbing frame for expending energy and activity tables with educational play based challenges promoting fine motor skills and language. Meanwhile, adults can feel smug about the wholesome and enriching play opportunities, enjoy Volcano Coffee Works cappuccinos and an ethical local menu sourced from Herne Hill grocer Seasons of England, and savour a well-deserved rest.

Advance booking is advised: a 1.5 hour play session is £7.50 for one adult and one child, with the option to book an extra adult. Under 5s only allowed on the climbing frame, 0-6 months free with an accompanying sibling.

WHEN

9am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday; 9am - noon Saturdays

WHERE

27 NORWOOD ROAD,LONDON, SE24 9AA

Apple Tree Play Cafe, Peckham Rye

After success in Herne Hill, Apple Tree Play Cafe have opened a second branch in Peckham Rye. Along with the trademark layout of climbing frame and seating enabling adults to relax while children roam, there's also a sensory room that's especially suited for smaller babies, with a captivating combination of colour, sounds, textures and light.

WHEN

9am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday; 9am - noon Saturdays

WHERE

134-136 Peckham Rye, London, SE22 9QH