Staffordshire playbarn now offering adults-only lunches to meet demand for its popular menu

Adults will now be able to enjoy brunch and lunch at Hockerhill’s popular cafe space on Mondays during school term time without needing to have a child attending.

The change has been made at the luxury family attraction following feedback from cafe customers and a trial of the idea in December. 

Tessa Giffard, co-owner of Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn and custodian of Chillington Hall Estate, Staffordshire, said: “Until now, it has only been possible to enjoy the delicious food from Hockerhill’s cafe if you have a ticket for the play area to enjoy with children, but after some helpful feedback from customers who have a genuine enthusiasm and appreciation for the food our amazing team serves, we have decided to open up the cafe to adults without a playbarn booking or child in attendance. 

“With our extensive menu serving brunch, lunch and plenty of sweet treats, milkshakes, tea and coffee, the cafe is a perfect spot for enjoying a catch up with friends and hosting informal meetings.” 

Since the business opened its doors in March 2024, Tessa and her husband Charlie have ensured its seasonal menus use as much local produce as possible, have many family-friendly choices, feature options for those with intolerances or allergies, and use fresh ingredients with nutritional value. 

The cafe serves brunch throughout the day, with guests able to choose from superfood granola served with Greek yoghurt, fresh berries and honey, chorizo hash, smashed avocado on toast, eggs royale, full English breakfasts and mushrooms on toast. 

For those visiting over lunchtime, light bites include homemade soup of the day and nachos, or sandwiches and warming paninis, loaded croissants, burgers including beef, chicken and vegetarian options, and hand-rolled sourdough pizzas with a variety of toppings. 

The update comes as Hockerhill continues to offer unlimited time slots for its popular play area, so families can enjoy turrets, bridges, high-level climbing frames and walkways, indoor go-kart track and outdoor area for as long as they wish. 

Co-owner Charlie Giffard said: “For everyone who visits Hockerhill, our aim is that they leave having enjoyed quality time with friends and family. With the cafe open to adults without a play barn booking on Mondays in term time and by temporarily offering unlimited play time, we hope that we’ve provided more opportunities for our community to come together, enjoy mental and physical challenges and feel nourished and satisfied with delicious food in a joy-filled setting."

Cafe bookings for adults exclude school holidays, bank holidays and inset days.