A kid’s play café has opened in Downpatrick
Next door to the Grove Shopping front entrance in Downpatrick in Market Street, a new play place has opened up for young children.
Little Down Town is a play café where parents can let their small children toddle about in a safe environment whilst they enjoy a cuppa and some tasty nibbles writes Jim Masson.
Owner Melissa Laverty said: “We just open on Tuesday and we run three sessions a day which require booking on the website.
“It is basically for the under fives but older children seem to get a lot out of it too.
“Later on this summer once everything is settled down, I hope to start an all inclusive play session once a month to begin with in sessions with smaller numbers where it is quieter for the children to play in.
“The children can play in different areas such as the nursery or doctor’s surgery, supermarket, goal, a builder’s site, and a beauty salon.
“I have three children of my own, three and five year olds and a baby of 6 months. I know what it is like to go somewhere and you are just not quite sure about your child’s safety in a play area.
“Parents are sitting literally along with their children so its very easy to supervise them.
“My own professional background is in Events and Hospitality Management in the professional section. I have over the past 2 years been researching it and have grown a huge passion for the project and I’m fully committed to it.
“I have visited similar places around Northern Ireland and have checked out many social media sites and websites. I’m well-tuned in to what parent’s are looking for in their children’s play and I’ve attended a number of local groups too.”
The premises Little Down Town was flooded two years ago and I was looking back then for a place to start up. Melissa got the opportunity to take this space up and so far she says it has been quite busy with sessions each day.
She added: “It’s a place for the parents to relax and keep an eye on their children. We have a coffee bar where you can get tray bakes, croissants etc and we will be extending the menu later on too. All parents are very welcome – they can just ring me to book in.”
Little Down Town is located next to the front door of the Grove Shopping Centre on Market Street in Downpatrick.
To book a session and find out more, go to the Website: https://littledowntown.co.uk/
