Family launches The Olive Tree Play Cafe in Wickford

The Olive Tree Play Café, located at 5 Ladygate Centre on 40-44 High Street, Wickford, opened on August 3 and is the creation of Alyce Bennett, 32, her husband Dan Bennett, her sister Megan, and her young daughter Olive, who the cafe is named after.

The café is designed specifically for children under five, which Mrs Bennett believes was missing in Wickford.

Inspiration - Alyce was inspired to open the cafe by her daughter Olive, who the business is named after. (Image: Alyce Bennett)

She said: "I had my baby a couple of years ago and I spent a lot of time in play cafés. I found there are soft play areas for older kids but nothing for toddlers and babies.

"There were a couple of empty shops on the high street, and we had lots of passers-by telling us that Wickford needs this.

"It’s a café with the addition of a soft play area and role play for children under the age of five years old. There was nothing like this in Wickford, so I thought let’s give it a go."

Open plan - The cafe has been designed in a way that allows parents and carers to always have an eye on their children while enjoying a drink or snack. (Image: Alyce Bennett)

The play area combines Montessori-inspired activities, imaginative role play, and open-ended experiences to encourage creativity and independence.

"I made it so you can sit anywhere in the café and have eyes on your children," Mrs Bennett added.

"It’s very open plan. The feedback has been positive. I have worked with a small space but made sure the play area is completely closed off."

Specialised - The play area is dedicated to children under the age of five. (Image: Alyce Bennett)

The café serves takeaway coffee and a selection of locally sourced food, including croissants, bagels, cakes, and children’s lunches.

The Olive Tree Play Café offers four 90-minute play sessions each day, with the option to book online.

Ms Bennett continued: "In the first two weeks we were really busy. I’ve promoted booking online as I offer four 90-minute sessions every day.

"But if we have availability and were not at max capacity we do accept walk-ins. However, I have had to turn people away."

Location - The cafe is based on 5 Ladygate Centre on 40-44 High Street. (Image: Alyce Bennett)

Refreshments - The cafe serves cakes, coffee and sandwiches. (Image: Alyce Bennett)

The café is also available for private hire and is already taking bookings for November and December.

Ms Bennett said: "In the future, I want to host more classes with mums and different events, especially with Halloween and Christmas coming up. It’s not just for mums though. It’s for dads and grandparents too."