Why? It’s always a really good question (not when a small human asks it on repeat!!). In this case, why does Pippatopia exist? Why did I decide to open a children’s role play café? Why did I leave a well-established and successful career in teaching? The simple answer…it was time.

Let’s do some introductions, well just one really! Hi, my name is Rachel, mommy to Pippa and the founder of Pippatopia. Having been a secondary school science teacher for well over a decade, I thought I’d found my calling and was set for life. And I was. Until I wasn’t.

Returning to teaching after maternity leave in 2020, during COVID, things were very different. Fast forward a few years, with schools getting back to normal (ish!) I knew that all the thoughts and ideas I had whilst at other play groups and centres, wouldn’t just go away. I knew that I needed something different. The passion and excitement I felt when I considered the possibility of creating something of my own was too much to ignore. And long story short, here we are. Pippatopia was born out my want to give back to the community I’ve lived in all my life. To provide something for our littles to enjoy and embrace. As well as a place for parents, carers, grandparents…absolutely anyone with children to keep alive…to connect, share experiences, relax (as much as you can with children to look after) and watch as our little people learn through play.

There’s nothing quite like Pippatopia in our area. It’s a place where children can learn and grow through play, but it’s also a space for parents and carers to meet, relax, and feel supported. I have always had to travel to enjoy anything other than soft play – not anymore! And we will offer so much more, we have lots of surprises up our sleeves!

I can’t wait to meet you all, the support we’ve already received has been incredible! Thank you so much!

Inspired by my daughter Pippa, and her love of imaginative play. She is often engrossed in her own perfect little dreamworld, a utopia. And just like that, Pippatopia was born.