Our guest reviewer Charlotte and her mini Mumblers recently went along to try Popalong Café in Stanningley. Find out what they thought here…
Popalong Café has been running for just over 20 months, working as a café, gift shop and creative space, as well as boasting a purpose-built Play Lounge. I had been meaning to visit for some time, as had heard great things, so when February came around and I saw their Spring Term Timetable, I finally drove the extra mile to check it out.
Upon entering Popalong, I knew immediately it was rather special. We were warmly greeted by Hazel and asked whether we had visited the café before? We were then given a quick rundown of what Popalong offered and where we could find everything. We ordered some drinks whilst we waited for our friends to arrive, and had a quick scan of the place.
The café is set out with the counter at the entrance to the right of the vicinity, with the seating area to the left, separated by the stairs up to the toilets, Play Lounge and Creative Space. The shop is spread across the walls selling an array of products such as greetings cards, bags, toys, home accessories, keyrings, and gifts.
The menu includes barista coffee, homemade cakes, gluten free and vegan options, as well as a versatile children’s menu. If you’re short on time, you can order to takeaway, and they also provide free WIFI, should you need to make it a working lunch.
But the upstairs is the real icing on the cake for this café, with the Play Lounge providing an abundance of toys, books, and even a tent(!) for the little ones and comfortable seating for adults. Emily got to explore and enjoy all the toys whilst I was able to drink my tea out of a vintage china cup and saucer; making my experience just as enjoyable as hers.
We then ventured into the Creative Space, which was set up for Art Attack Thursday; with paints, stickers, stamps, masks, and paper. Emily got stuck in painting a bunny mask all shades of green, followed by a more colourful abstract piece of art. She was in her element!
The Play Lounge and Creative Space really set the café apart from a lot of other child friendly cafes and are open to all café customers with unlimited playtime. Hazel and the team are so friendly and make everything stress-free for you, with a home-from-home environment. And with so much for Emily to explore and create, as well as baby friendly toys for Robin to enjoy, we easily spent a good couple of hours at Popalong, and could have stayed longer. We will certainly be returning very soon!
The 2020 Spring Half Term activities for pre-school children currently include:
Messy Mondays. 10am-2pm. Drop-in event. Suitable from 4months+. £2.50*
Arts & Crafts Tuesdays. 9.30am-2.30pm. Drop-in event. Suitable from 6months+. £2.50*
Wheely Wednesdays. 9.30am-1pm. Drop-in event. Suitable from 6months but recommended for toddlers. £2.50*
Chat & Chill Wednesdays. 1.30-3pm. Drop-in event. FREE
Art Attack Thursdays. 9.30am-2.30pm. Drop-in event. Suitable from 6months but recommended for toddlers. £2.50*
Friyay. 10.15-11am. Booking required. Suitable from 6months but recommended for toddlers. £3.50*
*All sessions include use of Play Lounge.
They also hold creative workshops & evening events throughout the year for adults. Full details can be found on their Facebook Page.
The Cafe is open: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday 9am-2pm. There is a range of parking options, with the bays directly outside listed as two-hour parking; then further up the road a bay with no time limit; and parking round the side street, also with no limit.
To get in touch, contact Popalong Café on 0113 256 0477 or email popalong.gifts@gmail.com or for more information visit their Website or Facebook page.
Popalong Café, 149-151 Bradford Road, Stanningley, Pudsey LS28 6AT
*Mumbler was not paid for this review. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion.
