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Enjoy a Baby Aperitivo at Minnow this August

Piccolo
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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Socialise with other parents and kids in a stress-free restaurant environment every Wednesday this August.

New research from organic baby food brand Piccolo revealed that 40 per cent of new parents have lost touch with friends and family since having their baby. And while 35 per cent of those surveyed say feeling tired and being busy plays a part in that, the uncertainty over whether children will be welcomed into restaurants, cafés and bars is appears to be the biggest barrier for parents socialising. 

In light of this and in support of families getting out and about and spending quality time together, Piccolo has launched the UK’s first ever Baby Aperitivo hour in London cafe bar Minnow. The trial initiative is set to inspire establishments to find ways to welcome and make life easier for busy families in a setting that does not resemble soft play (for a change). 

Hard to socialise

Elsewhere in the findings, almost a quarter of dads admitted to finding it so impossible to socialise with their kids in tow that they’d pay for a babysitter when meeting friends rather than taking their tot along.

A further quarter of those surveyed have been shunned by other customers, with families citing people having moved seats to be further away from their child, being offered unsolicited advice on how to look after their baby and even being asked to leave an establishment. Many parents even referred to the disapproving looks their child had been given. One told how they had once tried to move a table in order to fit their pram through, which resulted in a glass smashing on the floor as staff looked on and chose not to help. Another noted a time when a fellow diner had sworn at their table in reaction to a baby crying. 

Warm and welcoming atmosphere

Cat Gazzoli, founder of Piccolo says, “Popping out for a bite to eat and a drink with friends and family becomes a lot more complicated once baby is on board. The launch of Baby Aperitivo at the wonderful Minnow will provide families with a welcoming and warm atmosphere where they can enjoy a delicious aperitivo while their little ones tuck into an aperitivo of their own, featuring our new range of  Piccolo organic snacks and meals.”

Baby Aperitivo will be hosted at Minnow in Clapham, every Wednesday this August between 3-4pm. Families who order drinks and nibbles during the dedicated Baby Aperitivo hour, will receive a complimentary baby friendly aperitivo from Piccolo. Additional perks for parents include a bespoke buggy concierge service at Minnow, so that pushchairs aren’t in the way as families sit down to enjoy their aperitivo, as well as the opportunity to visit the restaurant’s quirky baby changing zone, London’s first renaissance-inspired changing area.