It Takes a Village Play Cafe — Restaurant in London

I went along today for my third visit having previously really enjoyed it and had even organized for a group of mums to come along en masse. I was told my 10 month old baby couldn't be given a crumpet that I'd brought from home (he's only recently weaning and this is one of the things he eats safely, well and easily). I didn't realize the 'no outside food' rule applied to babies. I asked if an exception could be made as it was lunchtime and I'd booked the session. If I'd have known I'd have fed him before arriving or chosen a different time. I presumed the rules would be for adults, toddlers, and I was about to order a coffee so was planning to spend money on top of the £9 entry. Anyway, the upshot was that the manager wouldn't budge and so I fed the baby in the rain outside!

As a mum on maternity leave this felt like a huge gap between the alleged ethos of the place and the reality.

I know hospitality and business is hard but this felt unnecessarily mean. Here are some ideas: Make the 'no outside food' for everyone over 1, at which age people are actually eating and eating a range of foods, textures etc Charge a kind of 'corkage' ie £2 if you bring your own food for one to three year olds Outside food for children under 3 only allowed alongside...

I could not be happier that this amazing play cafe has opened in Walthamstow. The coffee is excellent - especially good news as this little part of E17 was previously a bit of a dead zone for decent food and drink! - food options are great (amazing pastries from local bakeries), and the play area is amazing. I have a 4yo and 1yo and there’s plenty for both of them to do and great toys for them to play with. My eldest was kept busy with their huge stock of Connetix tiles and the beautifully designed soft play, and the little one could literally spend all day there playing with the toys and launching himself into the ball pit. All of the toys are beautiful, really carefully chosen and CLEAN. Miniland dolls, Konges Slojd accessories, plenty of vintage Fisher Price, Duplo, and Stapelstein stepping stones. It’s such a pleasure to be there - so tastefully designed and practically laid out - and especially now that the weather is getting colder it’ll make a nice change from my living room. The staff are also absolutely lovely, and so kind to the children. I’ve started popping in for coffee and pastries when I’m passing as it’s just a really lovely local business which I’m happy to support. Well done ladies, this is exactly what...

We recently hosted our daughter’s birthday party here, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the beautiful table setting and decorations. Every detail was picture-perfect — vibrant, playful, and clearly designed with kids in mind. It truly set the tone for a joyful celebration.

The facilities were absolutely amazing. There were so many toys and play areas to keep the kids entertained. All the children had a blast and were happily occupied the entire time.

The food was another highlight. There was a great variety of hearty party food that was both kid- and parent-approved, especially the watermelon “pizza” 🍉 served in a real pizza box such a fun and healthy twist that had everyone smiling!

What truly made the day special, though, was the staff ❤️They were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout the event. Nothing was too much trouble, and they made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to the entire team for making my daughter’s birthday such a fantastic and memorable day. She had the best time, and we’re so grateful for the care and effort you put into every part of the...