PICNIC — Attraction in London

For the price, I expected greater things. Let's not take away from the fact that the kids had a fun time, which is why we came! But as a parent I found it stressful and lacking, with areas of improvement to be had. Of course, every new venture will encounter teething problems but for us they're enough not to want to return for a long while.

The website showed a similar mock up to Little Street, and it's easy to see how it would attract local families to a seemingly montessori based and naturally decorated space for young children to explore and role play. I liked the idea of not having to drive a fair distance to the other role playing spaces in Surrey and for the increase in price I expected something just as good if not better. Kingston doesn't have much to offer in terms of play, so we were excited to test it out. It's a shame that the not so polished aspects of the venue stayed with me more than the fun side though:

The floor wasn't clean. I was told they had only been open a few days and knowing that at the end of every session the toys are put back, tables are cleared, the floor is swept to provide a pleasant experience for all time slots, I didn't expect my socks to come away grubby. Bit of a downer to start the session with, nobody likes the feeling of mucky socks 5 minutes in!

The eating/seating area is separated from the Role Play Street by steps and wooden panelling - this means you cannot see your child/ren whilst sitting down. Even standing, the view of your child is limited. Not ideal if you have more than one child in different areas and you need to keep an eye. I found this stressful, especially unable to see my young ASD son (and he needs me frequently). I also noted the steps weren't ideal for early walkers let alone disabled children - but maybe they have a ramp hidden? It feels like a silly error to have the panelling, why would you have low seated benches and chairs and shut off the view to kids playing? Sure, they can't escape - but something always happens out of view, whether it's a squabble, an accident, something falling - and this puts me on edge.

The door leading to the back of the building for deliveries is located at the top of the stairs/immediately adjacent to the street area and was unlocked for little wanderers to escape (again, stressful).

The menu is not good for allergies. It felt like another place excluding kids, you just think this would have been considered. However, the pricing for the menu was pretty good.

Overall, it was enjoyable for my children and the set up was pleasant. But based on the price alone - £8 per walking child for 2 hours was too much for the amount of activity available. Considering that children mentally need a break from play every 35 minutes to refuel, you'd probably end up spending close to £15 in total once you've bought snacks/a light lunch and a drink and I really don't see how that's affordable to the majority...

I had a few reservations before going due to lack of contact from the owner to an enquiry I had made regarding my daughter's birthday. I had asked as she was going to be coming with a few friends (and their parents) if it was possible to reserve a table and if we could bring a cake at the end. I had no response (curious for a new business!), so I got in touch with Little Street who said it was no problem, so we went there and they had a great time.

However, due to lack of early years venues in the area I was still keen to give Picnic a go, and put the lack of response down to them being very busy with the pressures of opening. I must say that although the 2 children we brought had a good time intermittently, I was somewhat disappointed with some aspects as a parent and nanny.

Although the village is lovely, there are not enough play items within them - for example, at Little Street in the dressing room in the theatre they have lots of decorative accessories for the children to try, the shop is full of food, there are several toy babies and ride on toys etc. At Picnic this felt like it was really lacking, and would result in frequent squabbles between children needing lots of parent intervention, so it felt less relaxing than some other places. I understand that they may add things as time goes on, however for the price, it really should be good to go.

It also felt quite small and dingy, as it is at the back of the venue in the raised area. I would have thought that would be be a better space for parents so they could observe their children in the large space below. Concerns about children escaping could be avoided with a proper door with a high handle.

The toilets weren't much of an improvement of the previous Jellybugs. Several hand dryers weren't working. There was no step for kids to stand on to wash hands. There is no bin in the cafe seating area which is a must.

I was also disappointed that staff had started tidying and clearing the play areas 25 mins before the time slot was up which made us feel like we needed to hurry up and that the children couldn't continue to play as freely!

I think they could do with a first time slot of 9.30 so that parents coming from the school run can get there!

I must say that all staff present were very helpful and friendly, and we absolutely love the concept. However, for the price I was expecting something of a similar standard if not better to Little Street and we won't be in a hurry to return. Perhaps in a few months when any teething problems...

Avoid at all costs!

To all mamas out there:

today - after school - I took my son to this playground after hearing how amazing it was. I prepared my son in advance and showed him pictures of the places. He was so excited.

When I got in I saw Jode, a staff member telling two moms with young children that they had to leave as they didn't book to be in. The moms told Jode that PICNIC website mentions children can stay for two hours. Jode said that you need to go further into the website to choose time slots - specific time slots. at the end I watched these two moms leave with their young children.

When It was my turn, she asked if I made a booking and told me the next time slot was in 25 minutes. I told her no problem, we will wait at the tables. Turns out Jode told me I couldn't do that, (tables are all empty, but I couldn't stay) she actually ask me to leave the premises as nobody is allowed to wait for the next time slot at the premises. When I asked Jode why is that, she told me that is because they need to clean the tables. I looked at the tables (empty tables)-()()(clean tables already!) and started to beg her, to please make an exception as my son as already seen the playground and would get very upset if we leave. She didnt care, not even when I told her my son has special needs. She told me we had to leave and there was nothing she could do about it.

My son cried all the way back home, and I cried with him.

What kind of treatment is this for parents. Jode sent away three moms in less than 5 minutes. Surely this is not good business.

Parents of autistic children, I know there are many of you out there, avoid this place, Staff wont care about you or your child. Come to this place at risk of being sent away and have to deal with a meltdown.

I writing this in tears as I was really looking forward to taking my son to this place. what a waste of a lovely playground just because of policies and horrible...