If you have a bubba, then Bubba Hub on North Street in Bedminster will be an ideal place for you. If you don’t have a bubba, then just head to Hennessey’s next door, one of the best cafes in Bristol and not one with little people running around with carefree abandon.
With a 17-month-old daughter (right, on the move) often now accompanying me on my travels by foot, by bus and by bicycle in Bristol, I am learning all about the best baby-friendly places in this city.
Bubba Hub has jumped straight to the top of that list, relegating Rimando’s to silver.
They sum up their attraction perfectly: “We’re much more friendly than a cafe, far less frenetic than a soft play, infinitely more sociable than home. And we will clear away the toys and do the washing up.”
A buggy park greets you on arrival, with a gate meaning that the front door can be opened onto the street letting in fresh air without fear of toddlers making a break for freedom.
Toys are carefully stacked up on shelves. That’s until they are taken off by children, who if my daughter is anything to go by absolutely love this place, her favourite toys being a childsize gym ball and a miniature pram to push the dolls around.
Open Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm, with regular events such as breastfeeding support sessions, and knit and natters, day membership to Bubba Hub costs £3.
Second-hand baby clothes and equipment take up one corner, next to which is the counter and kitchen where the food is made, everything from a toddler thali for £1.50 made up of breadsticks, humus or cream cheese, cucumber sticks, fruit and raisins; to more adult fare including sandwiches, paninis, and hot and cold wraps from £2.70.
The artwork on the flyer and website and on the front window is by fabulous illustrator Fritha Strickland from Easton; while it’s touches like ledges for hot drinks halfway up the walls away from tiny hands that set Bubba Hub apart.
Your bubbas will love Bubba Hub, and mummys and daddys will too.
Bubba Hub, 20 North Street, Bedminster Bristol, BS3 1HW. 07980 254891.
