Washed, dressed, fed, bag packed, buggy ready… nappy needs changing (again, really?). We get that getting out the door with a baby takes double, sometimes triple, the time it would normally. It almost feels like you need somewhere half-decent to go, doesn’t it? Somewhere well-equipped for a mum and baby outing. We’ve got just the spot. Think chilled-out cafes, serving foods that you can eat with one hand, with a spot of soft play and baby entertainment, just in case.
Arts Depot Cafe, London
Baby changing, buggy facilities and step-free access are all the buzz-words you’ll look for as a new parent (didn’t it used to be free drinks and bottomless brunch?) — and Arts Depot has all three. The family-friendly space puts on shows and activities for all ages. If you’re after something a bit more cerebral than baby talk, it’s good to know that babes in arms don’t need a ticket for adult shows. Bopping along with Baby Broadway is also allowed, if not encouraged.
- Location: 5 Nether St, North Finchley, London N12 0GA
- Website https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/
Turtle Dove Cafe, Edinburgh
Good for when the weather isn’t up to much, this Edinburgh haunt has a brilliant indoor play space to keep the kids entertained. For adults, the cafe is pretty social with options to sign up for a baby yoga or music session, or just grab a cake and have a natter.
- Location: 31 Corbiehill Rd, Edinburgh EH4 5BQ
- Website: http://www.turtledoveplaycafe.co.uk/
Bambino Cafe, Manchester
Baby-friendly cafes seem few and far between, so when you crack onto a good one, safe to say it becomes your local. Bambino Cafe is a meeting place for parents and kids (did we hear free babycinnos?) and is filled with events and activities to keep everyone entertained. The cafe occasionally invites experts to speak, with previous topics including baby sleep and website building basics — the endless things you can achieve after mastering baby sleep, right?
- Location: 3 Chaddock Lane, Worsley, Manchester M28 1DB
- Website: https://bambinocafe.com/
Cariad Kitchen, Cardiff
What could be better than a cafe that offers a menu for breastfeeding mums? You heard us right, Cariad Kitchen has a ‘Love You’ menu designed to keep you well-fuelled for breastfeeding. The Whitchurch baby cafe-kitchen also has a gated baby area with lots of toys. Happy mum? Check. Happy Baby? Check.
- Location: 17-19 Penliine Road, Whitchurch, CF14 2AA
- Website: N/A
Bear and Wolf Cafe, London
Born from parents wishing they had a local kid-friendly cafe, Bear and Wolf isn’t just a soft play area disguised as a cafe. In an adult and edgy setting, this kid-proofed cafe serves up quality lunches from local suppliers. It also has a wicked kids’ playroom packed with toys, books and dressing up clothes.
- Location: 153 Fortess Rd, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HR
- Website: https://www.bearandwolfcafe.com/
