Cafés · Haywards Heath
A small, bright room in Haywards Heath where the play area sits at one end, so you can drink your coffee and still keep both eyes on a toddler. It's really aimed at the under-fives — colourful and safe rather than full-on soft play chaos — and families with one- to three-year-olds get the most out of it. Cleanliness comes up constantly: play equipment, tables and toilets all kept on top of. Food is a genuine step above the usual soft play fare, fresh and reasonably priced, with good cakes and proper coffee, and there's a kids' menu, high chairs and buggy access. Two honest snags: with only eight tables it fills fast and the hard floors make it loud and echoey, and one visit saw food take over 40 minutes. Go at a quiet hour and it's, as one parent puts it, "perfect".
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
Lively pan-Asian spot with a kids' menu, high chairs, step-free buggy access, free parking and vegan and gluten-free options.
A cosy Haywards Heath pub with a fireplace, outdoor seating, and a British menu featuring veggie options and Sunday roasts.
A relaxed Haywards Heath coffee shop with outdoor seating and a 4.7 rating — an easy, laid-back spot for a family coffee.