The Sanctuary, Sherrif centre
Nestled in an Anglican church in the heart of West Hampstead is one of those places full of character that I love.
Today it ‘s cold and windy. My son is full of life (as always) and I have to find a place where he can have fun without his poor mum slowly turning into a snowman – ok I’m slightly exaggerating , but I feel more like a marshmallow hot chocolate whilst reading Grazia than running outside in the mud 😉
There are lots of play center in London. There is one in Swiss Cottage just 15 minutes from this one . You can’t miss it when you go to the swimming pool. It is strategically located by the exit door. I have a couple of lovely memories of my son going into meltdown because I didn’t want to go after his swimming class … This play center certainly has a large bay window but other than that , it’s a box where parents wait , resigned, sitting in very uncomfortable chairs playing with their phones. Staff however is charming and the rest of the center – swimming pool, climbing wall, trampoline , gym – great … Just not a fan of the parent experience in their soft play area 😉
In the Sheriff center, however, there is a cafe that serves delicious sandwiches , there is a post office, there is free wifi and the setting is … well much better than the average play center. It is open Monday to Saturday – not on Sundays – it is a church so there is Sunday service! The church is red brick and is divided into four parts with the front red velvet seats arranged in a semicircle for Mass.
When I wrote this post it was the Christmas holidays, and there was a small nativity creche. Children were have fun with Joseph , Mary and the three wise kings under the watchful eye of their parents and an elderly man who came to pray. I can hear at least 4 different languages being spoken. It is a lovely social space where parents talk to each other instead of playing with their phone.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a also coffee shop ” the Sanctuary ” at the back of the church, in the right wing. The tables are dark wood . There are a few sofas pink and purple velvet sofas. Parents watch the kids run in the left wing of the church or is willing hullaboo the playground. They sip their coffee quietly , enjoying these moments of quiet ( probably deserved goods).
The Hullaboo play center is located in the left wing. There is a brave dad (or at least very enthusiastic ) who has ventured inside the playground. He is on the first floor of the structure, in socks , attacked by half a dozen toddlers. The playing area can accommodate up to 40 children under the age of 12. There is a separate area for less than 2 years .
At the very back of the church there is a Post Office . When the local post office closed , the vicar of St James saw an opportunity… Few months down the line and the first post office in a church has opened in Britain. All ages and all faiths are welcome in this small and cozy place that brings the community together.
All profits from the café and play area and the post office store his donated to the Sherriff Center charity. Profits are used to care for the elderly, mother and baby clubs and advise people in financial trouble .
Personally, I go for the coffee and the free WiFi. I can catch up with work while my son is having fun. The extra bonus is that I help the community by ordering a cappuccino … 😉
- Further info on the Sanctuary coffee shop: http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/the-sanctuary-cafe
- Sherrif centre: http://www.thesherriffcentre.co.uk/about-us/
