A brand new play cafe has been opened by a local grandmother in Oxfordshire.

The opening of the Little People’s Play Cafe in Wantage on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 was marked by visits from Spider-Man as well as Marshall and Skye from Paw Patrol.

The new cafe has opened its doors on Newbury Street in the premises which were formerly occupied by Save the Children.

Grove resident Lindsay Corkish owns and runs the new business which she says was inspired by her own adventures as a grandmother.

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Inside the new play area in Wantage.Inside the new play area in Wantage. (Image: Lindsay Corkish)

“I decided to open the facility after the many visits she has made to different play parks around the south with her three young grandchildren,” she said.

“I am really grateful for the help from Mike Hissey Handyman Services who built the role play village.”

Little People’s Play Cafe is designed for under-fives and offers a role play village on the ground floor and a soft play area with slides and a ball pit on the upper level.

There is also an area with lots of toys for little people to sit and play while parents catch up with one another.

There is a furnished seating area for adults to enjoy the complimentary hot or cold drink included as part of their admission ticket.

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The children inside of the venue.The children inside of the venue. (Image: Lindsay Corkish)

Children’s lunch boxes and drinks are available together with a delicious selection of cakes supplied by Ardington Bakery.

The grand opening was a great success and also saw children’s favourites Blippi and CoComelon attend with Mascot Mania providing the characters.

“It is an excellent venue for little ones as it is intimate and not too big but it does have plenty to do,” added Lindsay.

“There is nothing like it around here so it is just what was needed in Wantage.”

There are three sessions a day, Tuesday to Friday and at least one session on a Saturday morning.

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Each session lasts an hour and three quarters and bookings can be made via the website subject to space and it may also be possible to drop in without a booking.

The Play Cafe is also available for children’s parties on a Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Christmas party sessions with a visit from Santa are planned for each Saturday in December and the week before Christmas.

The new business is the latest addition to play areas across Wantage and Grove areas with a particular focus on revitalising the area in and around Wantage.

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Lindsay Corkish is a local resident who chose to set it up.Lindsay Corkish is a local resident who chose to set it up. (Image: Lindsay Corkish)

Back in May, a playground in Wantage reopened for the first time in three years following a major £70,000 refurbishment.

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