News Beat
Mum to open The Nook play cafe on Station Street, Saltburn
Becky Lewis from Guisborough has had careers in both journalism and marketing in her working life, but is now taking a huge leap to set up her very own play cafe for families.
The 39-year-old signed a lease for a unit on Station Street in Saltburn when she was eight months pregnant in November, and is now in the process of bringing ‘The Nook’ to life.
No opening date has been set as yet.
And while works has been “slow” to get started, Becky has had a huge amount of support from fellow parents as she admits the venture is “exciting”.
The mum-of-two told The Northern Echo: “After I had my little boy Archer, who is three now, something in me shifted and I realised I wanted to do something that is more family-focused and flexible around my home life.
“I had climbed the career ladder as far as I could, and wanted to get back to what made me happy.
“When I was on maternity leave, I also noticed there is a real lack of child-friendly places to go. It felt like there was a clear choice between going to a nice cafe, not suitable for children or somewhere good for them to play.
“My concept is not having to make that choice. I want to do both at the same time, and make sure silly things that make new parents feel uncomfortable are addressed.
“I thought, instead of having just a few months off with the baby, then resenting going back to a job I don’t enjoy, and feeling guilty for being away from my kids, I should just go for it.”
Becky’s vision for the cafe is a completely open planned space including play areas for tots and space for buggies, with decorating set to begin in February.
“Hopefully it becomes a nice warm and cosy environment, I’m excited to begin giving it some character,” she added.
Since announcing the news online, Becky has received support from other parents across the region, echoing her calls for a play cafe.
She added: “That first post, I just hit publish, closed my eyes and hoped for the best. But the support has been amazing.
“It’s spurred me on knowing that other people feel the same way I do – there is such a strong need for this.
“I am really excited about it all, especially when I signed the lease when I was eight months pregnant. I thought ‘everyone is going to think I’m crazy’.
“I need to take the leap, and I’d regret not taking it. My kids can come to the cafe when I’m working, and I’m building something for them too, really.”
