It’s not until you have children of your own that you realise what a godsend play cafes are.
You could walk down the Gloucester Road a dozen times and not even notice that Rimando’s, Kudacan and Portico Play are even there. Or stroll along North Street without a second glance at Bubbahub.
The latest addition to this merry band of play cafes is Hungry Caterpillar, located a stone’s throw from Bubbahub in the former Halfords on Cannon Street in Bedminster.
It’s a very deep space, with the first half taken up by the cafe and the back half taken up by the play area.
The food on offer here is better than many cafes in Bristol. There are meze sharing platters and tartines, a children’s menu with all items 60p, and coffee from Clifton Coffee.
In the play area, there is a selection of toys to keep babies and toddlers occupied as weary parents can sink into comfy sofas while keeping a watchful eye.
My two-year-old daughter especially enjoyed the miniature wigwam, the wooden train set and fire station, and the Punch and Judy-style theatre behind two small curtains where she performed a puppet show with animal pirates.
Expect classes including the ever-popular rhyme time as this latest play cafe, like its regular customers, finds their feet.
Hungry Caterpillar, 30 Cannon Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1BN
07443 579814
