The Big Play Barn — Local services in North Warwickshire

This establishment is a joke booked a party for my 7 year old birthday party for a good memorable time to share with friends what was just an absolute disaster for a starter it was extremely busy and lots of accidents were taking place with that In mind the first aider is the main chef strange anyway our food was served 20 mins late what then felt very rushed to eat as the children were keen to have the other half of play our cake was suddenly brought out to us before food was served what we have always done at the end so it was confusing the poor young girl who was our party hoost didn't really seem to know what she was doing she disclosed to me they are very understaffed ATM and apologised not really our fault tho anyway food finally arrived children complained of very cold chips burnt fishfinger and burnt sausage I was told by a member off staff that this happened because the chef was seeing to a child who broke their arm shocking surely if the main chef is the first aider other capable chef or cook should be able to cook sufficiently without any problems ie burt or freezing chips this wasn't the case for us I had paid for juice what wasn't supplied till I asked for it what should of been put on the tables ready for the children when I arrived our area wasn't ready so ended up doing that what was meant to be the hoost I also cut the cake and wasn't instructed or guided in any way it was all very unprofessional then to top it off I ran through with a worker 3 days beforehand the number of children coming and food option for one of our guests was for a dairy free ice cream what she said we would be provided with a vegan magnum ice cream however we didn't have and wasn't given another option but a member off staff did ask if she would like a clipo ice pop what we thought we was getting then our party hoost brought out the ice creams but one wasn't provided for our dairy free child very dissopointing and upsetting for the child who went without after I had already explained this 3 days prior and was reassured we would have an alternative option the magnum so unprofessional after the party ended I spoke with the owner of the establishment named Pete he was sooooo rude to me demanding a payment of the remaining bill I said I wasn't paying the outstanding what was only meant to be £56 he wanted £66 after telling me I have taken £10 off for the burnt food no apologise when my original outstanding was only £56 anyway so I question Pete the owner he then became irate towards me and I felt uncomfortable with the situation he kept putting his hand out saying fine call it £36 it was a very strange situation no management skills what so ever I strongly advise if you are thinking about having a party here please take my review into consideration and re think your choice I hope Pete has some anger management classes and learns some basic people skill and hopefully nobody has to go through...

I am surprised to be writing badly about the barn because I love this place but we are disappointed with the general organisation of our party. We had our party yesterday for 30 children but 3 have special dietary requirements which required attention, myself and the parents failed to get any concrete information back to support their needs so the parents brought their own. I typed out a food list which I attempted twice in advance by email and by telephone to send across in advance but was told it was not required till on the day. On the day of the party I kept a list to mark off children who attended and left one with my party organiser,meals were late to the table and when they did arrive she had too many boxes so 3 children had 2 boxes which was annoying I put time in doing a list which they weren't able to follow, also although I provided list on entry she still asked parents what their child wanted to eat which added to the confusion. When food was late I went to look for my helper but she was on break, I understand they need a break but timing could have been better. On wards with the party bags incorrect numbers supplied so my husband and I had to keep asking for more, sadly on return home then found out one child still had gone home without one which is upsetting. The children all had a great time and the barn still will be my place to take her but I feel it should have run better especially with us putting so much effort in to assist them. It is a lot of work for one person to organise and run independently. As I said I am surprised that I'm dissatisfied. Parties are very expensive and for £500 I did expect better. We were stressed which at a organised event should not...

Unfortunately this place wasn't a great experience. Baby nappy bins were overflowing causing a foul smell and certainly a hygiene issue.

The drinks fridges were walm resulting in horrendously warm drinks. The food available was nonexistent and poorly presented (home wrapped jam sandwiches rather than professionally prepared and sealed sandwiches for hygiene) + costs are unfairly high (£6 for 2 softdrinks and a tea is abit steep).

The hot drinks machine only had tea available which is weak due to no spoons (just the wooden sticks which do not amply stir nor squeeze a tea bag).

Apart from this is was generally ok. In terms of facilities, it's infant section was far below that of other venues. It's too small and just not fit for young toddlers etc.

The venue was secure (a high push to exit button prevents children escaping) and manned by a staff member most of the time.

The chaires are welded on to a frame connected to the table, so are not adjustable etc. This can cause an issue if you are overweight like me since it's an uncomfortable squeeze.

Overall I think this place has potential to be better by improving its hygiene, improving it's food offering (or just remove the Third-Reich rule of no external food), changing it's seating options, installing free WiFi for parents and partners left to man the bags, install lockers to store bags and valuables for single attending parents and finally improve it's apparatus for infants.

Personally I would avoid this establishment unless all others are booked - there are far superior places for cheaper and offer better facilities...