This idea started in Winter 2012. Other than our regular baby groups, in particular our local NCT ones, which were a lifeline for meeting friends for me and her, and which I still volunteer for, there was nowhere else I really wanted to take my baby daughter Olivia, especially in bad weather.
I wanted to have a good coffee and a healthy lunch in a clean environment with friends without worrying she would annoy people, running around. I wanted to go to places on my own, not feeling awkward. I wanted to do classes without signing up for terms or half term payment plans. I wanted a calm, and if I am honest ‘posher’ place with good toys, which you only find at the best nurseries, that I couldn’t afford. But it seemed a shame that parents were never allowed to experience those brilliant experiences with them and often mum and dad were at work.