Winchester’s first themed play café for toddlers and preschoolers welcomed its first crowd on Thursday, May 28, as families scrambled to try the city’s newest spot for under-fives. Clemmie’s, opened by Lara James of Teg Down, hosted a full house for its inaugural 90-minute play session at its Broadway location, marking the first of three daily sessions from Monday to Saturday.
The play space is designed exclusively for children aged zero to five, with six themed zones including a slide, crawl tunnel, and book corner stocked with picture books. Lara James, who named the café after her 22-month-old daughter, said the idea came during maternity leave when she struggled to find age-appropriate play venues in Winchester.
Key Points
- ✅ First indoor play café in Winchester for under-fives
- ⚡ Six themed play zones plus book corner and slide
- 💡 Adult tickets cost just 50p; parties only on Sundays
Capacity is capped at 18 children per session, though the team plans to reduce it to 15 on quieter weekdays to improve supervision ratios. The café serves coffee from Winchester Roasters, soft drinks, and snacks from an independent bakery, giving parents a chance to relax while their children explore.
📋 By The Numbers
- 6 — Themed play zones for ages 0–5
- 3 — Daily 90-minute sessions (Mon–Sat)
- 18 — Maximum children allowed per session
Lara James confirmed Clemmie’s is already considering expanding to additional weekdays if demand continues to rise, with plans to survey parents after the first month. The venue’s central location on The Broadway makes it accessible to families from across Winchester and surrounding villages.
💡 Pro Tip
Book weekday morning slots for the quietest sessions and guaranteed spots—popular weekend times fill up within hours.
Unlike traditional soft play centres, Clemmie’s focuses on imaginative play and early learning, with no ball pits or climbing frames aimed at older children. The space is open to the public for sessions and private parties on Sundays, where parents can reserve the entire café for birthday celebrations.
| Feature | Clemmie’s Play Café | Traditional Soft Play |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 0–5 years | All ages |
| Session Structure | 90-minute themed play | Open-ended play |
| Adult Cost | 50p | Covered by child ticket |
Early feedback from parents highlights the café’s clean, safe environment and the convenience of on-site refreshments. One mother of twins said, “It’s the first place in Winchester where I can sip coffee while watching both kids play without worrying about older siblings.”
- 📊 85% of weekday slots booked in first four days
- 🔍 Sunday parties already sold out for June
- ⚠️ Weekday capacity may drop to 15 to improve safety
Clemmie’s joins a growing network of UK play cafés targeting the zero-to-five age group, but stands out in Winchester for its central location and parent-friendly pricing. Lara James plans to introduce themed activity days in June, including baby sensory sessions and toddler music mornings.