A special place of mine, which I visit regularly with family and friends in my birth town of Croydon, is Beanies.

Formally the Beanos record shop in Middle Street, it was converted in 2011 to become a family centre, and named Beanies as a tribute to the shop's history.

It’s a one-of-a-kind destination in south London and merits its award-winning status with friendly staff and community spirit.

The building is set across three floors; a child-friendly café with new baby play zone on the ground, a play floor with soft play on the second level and the workshop zone on the top floor.

There aren’t any lifts so you have to be prepared to carry your LO with bags in tow up the different flights of stairs. There are also steps to the toilets with no room for a buggy, which can be a challenge when you’re on your own and need someone to watch your LO.

We’ve been visiting Beanies since LO was a few months old. It’s a great place to get away from the four walls and meet other like-minded mums at workshops like baby yoga or musical bumps.

During peak hours, the play floor can get quite busy and the buggy park on the ground floor is rammed. The bigger kids can dominate the soft play area so it's ideal if you can find a seating area and supervise play. Play floor entry is £2.50 for babies aged six to12 months and £5 for one to four-year-olds (up to fifth birthday). All other ages go free. Membership is also available.

You can always find quiet space and privacy in the café zone and find comfort if you need to breastfeed your baby. The café has a great menu for grown-ups, children and baby-led weaning palates.

The kid’s pick plates are a particular favourite, for £4.20 my LO can enjoy a selection of six items: cheese cubes, pitta bread, sweet corn, hummus, fruit pieces and mini yogurt. They serve great hot food like curries, mezze plates, pasta dishes for grown-ups rounded off with a special Beanies blend coffee and a cake from Blackbird bakery. On request they can even prepare an afternoon cream tea for a special occasion.

Some parents think the café is too expensive; it’s definitely a treat and you don’t have to clear up after your LO which is a bonus.

To me, this place is a parent’s paradise and saved my sanity. You can meet with friends in a warm atmosphere, enjoy a nice lunch, natter over a good cup of coffee and keep your LO entertained.

If you’re visiting Beanies over the weekend its always good to check if the play floor is open as they occasional close it for children’s parties.

For more information, visit: www.beaniescafe.co.uk

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