What?: “A family club without the membership fees”. Think Purple Dragon (actually, this very site used to be Purple Dragon Putney) and Maggie & Rose, but without the prohibitively expensive annual payout. It’s basically the dream, right? Which sort of made me think “alright, what’s the catch?” Unlike other clubs who are weirdly cagey on their websites and make you enquire for information so that they can call you back when you least expect it and sweet-talk you into handing over all your cash before you’ve even set foot in the building, GetSetGo! seem pretty transparent. I was able to book a class online relatively easily (I went for stay and play – although all I really wanted was access to the club so that we could play on the really cool Tiger Play play structure in their cafe area). It was only when we rocked up to the club on the morning of the class that I was told I should have downloaded an app in order to use the facilities, though they said they’d let me off on that occasion. And I still have absolutely no idea what the app is called or where the hell to find it.
The stay and play was one of the nicest we’ve ever been to, and we’ve done a lot of stay and plays. The staff member running it (I’m going to say she was called Amy but I could be making that up) was lovely and had clearly gone to a lot of trouble to lay out the toys nicely, creating exciting invitations to play for all ages. The toys were all good quality too, with highlights including a play hospital, dolls and prams, train sets, a castle and lots of sensory toys. At the end of the session we were treated to a Frozen-themed mini disco with bubbles and a parachute, which Amy did specially because all four of the kids there were big Elsa fans, so that was stupidly cute.
After the session we headed out into the cafe area to check out the thing we’d really come here for. To be honest it’s pretty small so I was really glad we’d booked the stay and play. On its own the cafe area is essentially a very nice play cafe. In addition to the climbing structure – which I’d probably say is best for 1-4s – there’s an interactive light-up wall with coloured rods to illuminate, a play kitchen and a baby area with sensory toys and bouncers. Oh and the menu’s great – for people little and big. I’m unsure if you’re allowed to turn up just to use the cafe (maybe you can if you have this mysterious app), but I’d be there all the time if you were and we were remotely local. Speaking of which – watch this space for reviews of their new branches…
Where?: The Putney branch can be found at Tileman House, 133 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2TR. Look out for new branches opening in Chelsea, Marylebone and Golders Green.
When?: You can view the club timetable here.
Cost?: £10 for the stay and play, but check the website for prices of other sessions.
Where to next?: There’s enough going on here that you could make a whole day of it – I mean there’s a swimming pool for God’s sake – but if you wanted to move on then you’re very close to WWT London Wetland Centre, as well as Fulham Palace and the adjoining Bishops Park.
Roma tries out the Tiger Play play apparatus at GetSetGo! Fulham.
bablands.com 