The suburban town of Wantage had something new to celebrate on July 20th and 21st. A unique play cafe, creatively named Little People’s Play Cafe, opened its doors to the delight of young children and parents alike, complete with a parade of beloved characters. The grand opening was marked by appearances from Spider-Man and popular Paw Patrol characters Marshall and Skye, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees.
Located on Newbury Street in a building previously occupied by Save the Children, the Little People’s Play Cafe is a labour of love for local Grove resident Lindsay Corkish. Her journey as a grandmother frequently taking her young grandchildren on adventures to various play parks in the south of England inspired her to create this engaging and refreshing space tailored for young children and their families in Wantage.
The Birth of a Vision
Reflecting on her inspiration, Corkish shared, “The many visits to different play parks across the south with my three young grandchildren made me realise the need for a similar facility in Wantage.” With hard work and a clear vision, her dream turned into reality. Corkish also expressed her gratitude to Mike Hissey Handyman Services for their role in constructing the imaginative role play village that has become the heart of the play cafe.
A Hobbiton for Toddlers
The Little People’s Play Cafe focuses on entertaining children under five, offering several exciting features. The ground floor boasts a vibrant role play village, while the upper floor features a soft play area complete with slides and a ball pit. A separate area, filled with many toys, provides a quieter play environment allowing parents an opportunity to sit, relax, and interact.
Parents can unwind with complimentary hot or cold beverages, which are included in the price of admission. For children, lunch boxes, drinks, and a selection of delicious cakes supplied by Ardington Bakery are available to fuel their playtime adventures.
Celebrating in the Company of Heroes
The opening weekend was a bustling success, featuring appearances by Blippi, CoComelon characters, and mascots from Mascot Mania. The festivities gave families a unique opportunity to celebrate in the company of their children’s favourite characters, adding to the community spirit.
“It is an excellent venue for little ones,” said Lindsay. “It is intimate and not too large, but with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. There is nothing like it in Wantage.”
Daily Sessions and Holiday Specials
The Little People’s Play Cafe offers three daily sessions from Tuesday to Friday and at least one Saturday morning session, each lasting for an hour and 45 minutes. Families can book in advance on their website, subject to availability, with the possibility of accommodating walk-ins if space permits.
In addition to daily operations, the venue transforms into a festive party space over weekends. Special Christmas-themed party sessions are scheduled for Saturdays in December and the week leading up to Christmas. Young attendees can even look forward to a magical visit from Santa himself.
Revitalising Wantage
The addition of the Little People’s Play Cafe is part of a broader revitalisation of Wantage and surrounding areas. Earlier this year in May, a local playground reopened after undergoing a stunning £70,000 refurbishment, bringing joy back to the area’s families after being closed for three years.
With this new creative venture, Lindsay Corkish is actively engaging in building Wantage’s community hub by enhancing play opportunities for young children while offering parents a welcoming space.
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