A new play centre cafe has opened with something for the whole family

Stretford Mall is now home to a pop-up play centre which gives each family its very own themed pod. 

Eight pods have opened up in the cafe, each filled with plenty of toys and activities that families can book out for two hours at a time. 

The Play Cafe is also serving up food from Stretford Canteen including picnic platters for children, fresh bread and cakes, pies and cheese platters.

For the parents, you can also grab a beer or gin and tonic as well as a range of locally supplied hot drinks. 

The pod’s themes include Lego, messy play, role play and classic games. There’s also a nature pod, small world babe in arms and active pod.

The Play Cafe is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Haylea Osborne who is also behind Placemaker events. 

Haylea said: “The Play Cafe is a concept that we have evolved and adapted numerous times to meet the requirements of the current climate.

“Our aim has always been to provide affordable family fun in an environment that is both inspiring to adults and children.

“We are proud to deliver something that is local to the Stretford area and are grateful to Bruntwood Works for their support in helping us trial something different.

“Like many people, COVID-19 has affected me personally and it hasn’t been easy to keep going when myself and my business partner are working full time…I hope us finally opening our doors will be an inspiration to others.

“We think it essential that we work with local suppliers such as Stretford Canteen, The Urban Preserver, Mancoco and Dunky spoons hot choc – keeping our business local is the least we can do to support the local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming the families of Stretford along for some good old fashioned fun!”

You can book The Play Cafe every Saturday for a two hour slot. Guests should also allow for the 30 minute gap between slots designated for cleaning. 

Slots available include: 11am, 1:30pm and 4pm – you can find more info here.