I can personally vouch for how relieved I was to discover The Yard
when I first moved to Stamford. Not only is it an amazing soft play
with hours of entertainment for all of us on rainy days,
but the café is first class. The coffee is fantastic and there is always
a healthy snack option for my daughter, which is really important to me!
Opening the doors to The Yard in May 2014, were two lovely ladies Aimee and Jo,
with their under 5’s in tow. What seemed a great opportunity to offer
something really unique has been a roaring success for Stamford’s families.
What is your favourite thing about Stamford?
We love that there are so many independent and creative businesses and individuals. Having the countryside on your doorstep, but being able to get to London easily is the icing on the cake.
Are you ladies from Stamford?
Jo moved here from London because family lived nearby and at the time we still needed to commute to London, we just adore Stamford and knew it would be a lovely place to bring up our little ones. Aimee fell in love with Stamford, and just so happened to move here for work too.
Where is your favourite place to eat out or go for a drink?
We always go to Scandamania or Fine Foods because both places serve the most delicious food and coffee!
Why did you open up The Yard?
Right place, right time really! We had heard that the existing business was for sale and also knew that local families wanted somewhere to go and have excellent coffee and cake!
Are you happy with its success so far?
Really happy! We are always getting positive feedback and it’s given us the opportunity to balance a business with having young children. On top of the success as a business it’s meant we have met so many local people who have become friends over the years.
Any insider local top tips?
If you have kids, buy an annual pass for Burghley Gardens of Surprise, it’s great value for money, especially in Summer. Think dancing through rose gardens and playing in water features.
Are you satisfied with what activities are available for parents and children in Stamford? Any room for improvement?
We’re lucky to have lots of outdoor activities on our doorstep (parks, woods, skate park etc) but now our own children are getting older we are recognising there is a gap in the market for something for their age group. We tend to go to Peterborough or Corby/Kettering but it would be great to have something more local.
The whole family loves it here! You can head to The Yard’s website here to find out where you can play.
