Apple Tree Childrens Cafe

Today i held my sons 3rd birthday at apple tree cafe in herne hill. We had a great time, the cafe is clean, well equipped with great toys and a soft play section and a great play frame. Our host zula was lovely. She ensured our party ran smoothly and she was always on hand offering help if needed. All the children and adults had a great time. Party hire is for 2 hours exclusive hire but you can hire for extra time for a small fee. I highly recommend party hire or a visit to apple tree cafe. Massive thank you to zula and the team!

I have been there couple of times with my 2yr old. I would say this is a lovely café where I can relax and have chat with other mums friends whilst the kids play. I would recommend it, however age range is toddlers 1 to 3 years old. Older kids could get bored easily.

My child likes it here, we’ve been quite a few times, however I feel there is a real issue with temperature. In the summer it was too hot to attend during the heat waves, the air con either wasn’t working or effective when we tried. Now it’s 0 degrees in winter, it’s freezing in there. I’m not sure if there is central heating but then have two plug in radiators and a fan heater going that didn’t touch the sides and feel dangerous for toddlers and babies around because of the heat and the wires. The floor was so cold I lost feeling in my feet (as you’re of course in socks) and the padded area was even colder for my baby crawling around. I hope the temperature control can be resolved, we unfortunately won’t want to return until spring - other play cafes are not this cold in my experience. There are also a number of electronic toys in a basket that don’t work or have batteries, it would be better to either keep working toys/replace batteries, or to have non electronic toys.

The price per 2 hour play: 1-5 year olds £5 6mths-1 year old £3 0-6mths free Around this area of Hern Hill the parking restrictions hit 12-2pm in the back streets and it will cost you over £6 for those two hours as far as I know. So the Apple Tree Cafe is mostly relying on local costumers and those who come by public transport. When we arrived this morning around 10.30am it was crowded. Unfortunately we didn't notice the sign in the back saying: we are full, please come back later. The sign on the door said open. The buggies were piled up high, even with a "fold if possible" policy all the tables, chairs and the two benches were occupied (benches with coats and bags, I admit). More seating area would be fantastic and perhaps different level coat hooks (lower for kids/ higher for adults) on the wall with the beautiful painting of a tree and deer so the benches can be free to sit on. Some of the carers I spoke to were hinting a multiple children discount would be a great idea. Many pointed out the potential health hazards for children still in the oral stage. We found we had to secure buttons, crayons, cardboard, paper and foil from the little ones. Some of the visitors were inconsiderate by leaving the gate open. I think the staff were a little stressed by the volume of people but I am sure it will continue to thrive with the locals.

Such a beautiful location and a really well organised, safe space for children and babies. The food menu has a great selection and the prices are more than reasonable. The staff were kind and the cleanliness was unmatched, I mean really - everywhere was sparkly clean and there was even a meticulous process for handling toys that had been in children's mouths. Very smart and well thought-through design. Will certainly be taking my 2 year old there again.