On Monday, February 17, a new play café opens in Somerset Square, Nailsea.

M.O.M Play Space will open its doors to local children aged 0-7, and their parents and carers, at 4 Somerset Square.

This is opposite the children’s play park in the town centre.

The play café is the brainchild of mum and powerhouse Holly Gocoul who ran the successful Nana’s Caribbean Cuisine for many years and is a qualified English teacher. She has recruited a very able team to help with the venture.

She said: “For children, the play café will offer developmentally focused play, with toys rotating and targeting the four areas of their development – cognitive, social, fine motor and gross motor, as well as a range of tasty things to eat and drink.

“For parents and carers, we offer good coffee, great food and (finally) a chance to have a catch up with a friend without the stressful task of having to entertain your child from the confines of a high chair.

“From late March/April, we will also offer a series of parent and child centred classes.

“For children’s cognitive development, they can find:

• problem solving toys;

• puzzles;

• stacking, shape sorting;

• reading corner;

• and more.

“We take care of their social development by offering role play and fancy dress, as well as the opportunity to meet, play, sing and have stories with new friends. Fine motor activities include our tuff tray sensory activities, writing/drawing tables.

“Gross motor skills are covered by a small soft play area for babies and toddlers and a Montessori climbing frame for toddlers upwards.

“The play space aims to provide a solution to the lack of affordable, well equipped play centres in Nailsea and the surrounding areas.”

As a proud SEN parent, Holly is excited to be able to offer regular SEND sessions with reduced numbers and the opportunity for parents to connect and support each other as needed.

Sleep specialists, breastfeeding specialists and new parent support groups are all also expected to feature as part of the monthly timetable.

M.O.M will be open six days a week Tuesday-Sunday 9am-3pm with Sundays being exclusively for private hire of birthday parties and baby showers.

While walk-ins will be welcome if there’s space, booking is advised to guarantee a space at each of the 90-minute play sessions.

For more information, behind the scenes renovations, booking and giveaway details, you can find M.O.M on socials @m.o.m.playspace.

Part of the journey from old carpet shop next door to Costa is in the slideshow below.