We’re Ivana, Ericson, the family behind Little Play Cafe. We’re in our 30s (okay, Ericson is 28), and parents to two little boys - Matteo and Nathan. With just 21 months between them, life is chaotic, messy, loud, and full of love, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
In November 2023, we packed up our lives in London and moved to Bournemouth. We wanted a quieter place by the coast, somewhere better suited to family life—and we just loved the idea of long walks along the beach. Matteo was 1 year old at the time, and soon after, I found out I was pregnant with Nathan. Moving to a new city with a toddler, a baby on the way, and no local network definitely wasn’t easy, but we were so excited to start a new chapter for our family. It felt like the right place to plant roots and build something special.
How the Idea Came to Life
Little Play Cafe wasn’t part of the plan when we moved to Bournemouth. In fact, the idea only came to us when I found myself in the thick of trying to balance it all: answering emails for work, keeping Matteo entertained, and desperately needing good coffee to survive the relentless exhaustion of pregnancy. And trust me, pregnancy tiredness with a toddler is on a completely different level.
I needed a space where Matteo could play safely, and I could grab a few minutes of peace with my laptop. But nothing quite worked. Most cafes didn’t open early enough to match Matteo’s 7 AM bursts of energy, and soft plays weren’t ideal for a late walker like him—he’d just sit and stare while the bigger kids ran wild. To top it off, everything seemed to close just when we were finally ready to head out after nap time, right when daddy got home from work. It felt like there was nowhere that truly fit our needs. That’s when the idea for Little Play Cafe was born.
A Bit About Us
Ericson found his passion for coffee while working at Starbucks, where he fell in love with the art (and science!) of making the perfect latte. What started as a job quickly turned into a passion—he became obsessed with the art of crafting the perfect cup, always experimenting with latte art designs. At Little Play Cafe, you can bet he’ll be pouring hearts, leaves, and even the occasional bear face into your coffee—because great coffee is all about the little details.
I bring a bit of a different background to the mix. I spent years working in retail as a store manager and then as a regional marketing manager, before diving into the world of startups in London. Those experiences taught me so much about creating spaces that meet people’s needs and bringing ideas to life from scratch.
We’ve poured all of our professional experience and personal parenting challenges into Little Play Cafe. From the Montessori-inspired toys to early opening hours, every detail has been designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for families.
Why It Matters
Little Play Cafe isn’t just a business for us—it’s deeply personal. It’s about creating a space that solves the real challenges parents face, like finding somewhere safe, welcoming, and practical to spend time with their kids.
Here’s what you can expect:
A place where toddlers can play with Montessori-inspired, educational toys.
A spot where babies can nap peacefully in their prams while parents enjoy great coffee.
Early opening hours (7:00 AM) for parents with early risers.
Flexible entry times, so you’re not tied to schedules.
Amazing coffee (courtesy of Ericson’s skills!) and homemade desserts to treat yourself.
We’ve also been intentional with the name Little Play Cafe. It’s not just about the play or the cafe—it’s the beginning of something bigger.
What’s Next?
Little Play Cafe is just the beginning. There’s so much more we want to bring to families in Bournemouth. For now, we’re focused on getting everything just right for our opening day.
Thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and your support. The good things—and the big things—are always worth the wait. We can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones to Little Play Cafe soon!
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