Meet, play and party at the Clubhouse in Caterham
Opened on 15th December, following a complete refurbishment, Club House, Caterham is a new destination for parents and carers looking for somewhere to take their children to meet, play and party.
Housing a soft-play, imaginary / role-play area, café and disco, the Clubhouse is more than just a place to entertain little ones, with a host of classes and drop-in session for adults looking to stay fit, learn about nutrition and take care of their own wellbeing needs.
We spoke to the founder Dan Morgan to find out more about the Clubhouse and plans to look out for:
Where did the idea for Clubhouse come from?
I have a background in the leisure industry having run a few gyms in Surrey.
The concept for the Clubhouse came about once I had my own kids (now 6 &8). As a family we experienced a life where you’d go to various destinations for different clubs, parties, play-time and socialising. Everything was at a different place.
We wanted to take a holistic look at life in the early years of parenting, offering a more rounded approach to parents and what they need for the many facets of their life with parties, play time and socialising at the core.
Our vision was to create one place that would carry you from pregnancy through the early years. Somewhere you can go for critical areas of your lifestyle from education, play, social life, kids’ activities, and parties the whole lot.
We wanted a space where you could do a yoga class, play with your child in the role play area and then attend a seminar on sleep management – leaving your child in the care of our registered childminders.
The second phase to the Clubhouse will be the development of the workshops and events we have on offer for adults. Plus, with an alcohol license, we can host PTA fundraisers, PTA events and social events in our recreational space.
Tell us about the space…
It’s big. We are smaller than a large-scale soft play centre, our space is intimate so it’s cosier and your children are always in view and ear shot. But each of our spaces has its own designated purpose. We’ve tried to create purposeful spaces, each with its own identity: with a soft play area , baby space, and imaginary play zone.
We’ve also just completed a crafts corner and started work on a sensory garden space outside.
The typical dynamic of our clients is a parent with baby and toddler and so we’ve designed each play space with appropriate activities to cater for this typical range of age groups.
Finally, we have our Studio, which has a timetable of classes for children and adults alike, from yoga and performing arts to dance and disco. When there are no classes or parties booked in, this transforms into our glow disco room. That wasn’t our original plan, but it’s been so popular it has turned into a regular feature.
Since opening in mid-January, we’ve already booked in 50 parties – we’re really pleased with this.
Is there food and drink?
Yes, we had a testing day recently. We have just started hot food, keeping it simple but nice, with a steer towards choices that are as healthy as possible. (with gluten free, high protein and vegan options). The menu will be expanded over time.
What’s in the pipeline?
From the beginning we have researched what people want via the Caterham mums Facebook forum. Over 160 people have responded, so it’s a good example of a community influenced space.
Working with the community we’re hoping to work with childminders to find out what they need, focusing on those with SEN or learning support needs.
Wellbeing is also high on our agenda, building classes, nutrition and fitness sessions for adults into an evening programme.
When should we come down?
The week commencing 26th February we’ll be launching the clubhouse wellbeing brand offering 15 health and wellbeing classes for people to come and try for half price.
We used the input from the local community to help shape the timetable.
There will also be four play sessions a day that can be booked online here.
Over Easter there will be lots more happening at Clubhouse, including character appearance, craft sessions, an Easter egg hunt and panto!
We look forward to welcoming more people to the Clubhouse over the coming weeks and months.
A big thank you to Dan and his team for giving up their time to talk to us. Wishing them the best of luck with their new venture, we’re confident that it’s going to do well!