Founder of ‘Northamptonshire’s original play cafe’ celebrates dedication of ‘incredible team’
The founder of “Northamptonshire’s original play cafe” has taken the opportunity to celebrate the dedication of her “incredible team” who have helped make 2025 a successful year.
The Cloud Space, an award-winning play cafe located in building six at Weedon Depot, has offered parent and child classes, workshops and special events since December 2021.
It was a year later in December 2022 when founder Emily Hasson proudly took over The Cloud Space single-handedly, after setting up the venture with a former business partner.
When asked to describe the offering, Emily said it is a family venue where parents can enjoy a relaxed drink while their children play safely.
The business is open seven days a week and available for party hire at weekends, as well as the fact they have a small shop.
The founder believes it is the chilled and welcoming atmosphere, relaxing music and aesthetically pleasing environment that families like most about The Cloud Space.
Before opening the play cafe, Emily spent more than 15 years working in early years education and teaching music – which is what drives everything she does at The Cloud Space.
“I believe in creating an environment that fosters learning through play, where children feel safe, inspired and free to explore,” Emily previously told this newspaper.
“Most, if not all, of our toys and materials are open-ended. This means they can be used in multiple ways, encouraging creativity, problem solving and independent thinking.”
Reflecting on how 2025 has been for The Cloud Space, Emily says it has been a “great” year and the venture continues to go “from strength to strength”.
However, Emily is expecting baby number two and has had a tough time with HG since the end of summer – and her community of staff and customers have rallied around her.
“The Cloud Space community continues to amaze me with their support, patience and understanding,” said Emily. “I’ve got an incredible team of staff to keep things going while I’ve been too poorly to work.”
Although Emily admits that hospitality is a “really difficult industry” to be part of at the moment – due to rising costs and lower disposable income – the founder says it is worth it for the impact their offering has on the Northamptonshire community.
“The educational side of things and our open-ended resources are what set us apart,” said Emily. “Parents know their children are getting good educational resources. It’s a home from home, and like a nursery you can go to with your children.”
The Cloud Space is “constantly busy” and it is their seasonal soft play events that sell out time and time again. This includes themes around Valentine’s Day, Easter, summer holidays, autumn, Halloween and Christmas.
The business celebrated its fourth birthday on December 1 and hosted a circus-themed party the day before the milestone. Their Christmas soft play events are running from December 15 to 19, and visiting families can expect to see Elf on the Shelf at the play cafe.
Emily said: “I want The Cloud Space to continue to be a place where children and adults co-exist harmoniously, and to be the welcoming and lovely space it is. It gives me the flexibility to spend time with my young children and I can come here with them.”