Being a stay-at-home mammy with an almost two-year old makes
it difficult to drink coffee in peace when out and about. The last
venture we took to a café ended in a split lip and tears – and the child was
upset too!
That’s why I was delighted to see two enterprising women
opening a café to overcome this very challenge. Having driven the length
and breadth of Killester on a dreary September morning, my heavily
pregnant friend and I were relieved to find Monkey’s Play Café in the Sports
and Recreation Building off Middle Third (just opposite Killester Dart Station).
Co-owner Emma, who lost a beautiful retail outlet on Clarendon Street to the
recession, has made cute signs to guide weary travellers to the welcoming
venue. On arrival, we were greeted with tonnes of beautiful toys for my
little one to lose himself in, and a fabulous Espresso Machine to placate my
friend and I! Emma explains that we should sign ourselves in, paying €6
for Cormac, but that entry fee guarantees our return at any point in the day,
facilitating school pickups for older siblings. The café is aimed at
under five-year olds, however, older children are welcome to potter about with
their younger counterparts, or to sit with the mammies playing on Tablets or
phones, should they so wish. Mums must stay with their children, but can
stay all day if that suits them. As well as good coffee – Cappuccino,
Americano, Latte – and tea, Emma and co-owner Celine, herself a former
airhostess, provide cakes from a company called ‘Let’s Eat Cake’ who source
homemade produce and sell them on to retailers like Emma and Celine. There is
also a selection of goodies for the kids such as raisins and fruit pouches,
which my little one enjoyed raiding! We shared a very enjoyable couple of
hours without having to worry about the child being bored or injured, and will
definitely be back - especially since Emma offers free entry to anyone who
provides a homemade cake! First-timers get a complimentary coffee or tea
on paying for their child.
Contact Details - Little Monkeys Play Cafe, Hadden Park,
Nuns Walks, Middle Third, Killester, Dublin5
Phone: 085 743 6407
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