Peak District Kids writer: Helen from Little Puddle People
Clearly well loved by the local community, Little Fika is a cosy Swedish-inspired café featuring a play corner, board games, bookshelf and home cooked food. It is jam packed with local information and small business suppliers of gifts and produce, as well as a fantastic pay it forward scheme. This café is a bustling hub of Whaley Bridge and worth combining a visit here with a little walk through the town to the skate park and/or paddle boarding at Whaley Bridge Wharf.
Disclaimer: Peak District Kids has been compensated by Little Fika to write this honest review and provide social media coverage.
But more importantly for Peak District Kids readers, Little Fika is very kid-friendly, and this is why we’ve included it in our best cafes in the Peak District with a play area, even though it’s actually 1km outside of the National Park boundary. The café also welcomes our four-legged friends and even boasts a dog treats section on the menu.
The welcoming atmosphere and plentiful games meant we stayed for quite some time, slurping a milkshake (made using our favourite Hope Valley Farm ice cream) while working our way through the games shelf.
Little Fika is really geared up for families, with highchairs, smaller cutlery and plates. The menu is very impressive and really made our trip stress free; the children’s section has small images of each item so they can pick up to five items easily. My son was able to order for himself simply by pointing to what he wanted. My boys are often overwhelmed when choosing what to have when we eat out so this helped so much.
The menu is full of tasty treats, including healthy choices with plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans. From smaller snacks to full meals there really is something to please every appetite. I chose a full English and despite a busy day I wasn’t even hungry for supper!
There is a range of seating including breakfast bar, dining tables and sofas. There is a quieter back room and tables can be reserved. Toilet facilities including baby changing are upstairs.
The play corner is visible from most of the tables meaning you can sit and enjoy a hot cuppa and perhaps even share a conversation without interruption while your kids play. The play corner has a chalkboard easel, small table and chairs, Duplo, play kitchen and play food. My kids liked making me strangely flavoured smoothies for me to pull faces at!
When is Little Fika open?
7 days a week, 9am-5.30pm.
Is there parking at Little Fika?
There is ample free parking in Canal Wharf Car Park, SK23 7SR (click here for Google Map location), just a 3 minute walk away.
Are dogs allowed at Little Fika?
Dogs are allowed in on a lead.
Our recommended things to do near to Little Fika:
Follow our short Whaley Bridge walk over to the reservoir and the skate park. Or if you have your own kayak, canoe, or SUP, head over to Whaley Bridge Wharf.
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