Every now and again, you meet a person who leaves you stunned, and Danielle Bartley, the owner of the Hungry Caterpillar Kids Cafe in Knaresborough, is one of those people.
It’s fair to say, that the Hungry Caterpillar Kids Cafe has had it tough since opening their doors last September, primarily due to the fact that Danni has very recently lost her best friend, the father to her 3 children, and so quite understandably, the business hasn’t had the start that she would want.
We saw Danni’s heartfelt message on Facebook and so we reached out to see how we could help. We arranged a meeting to visit the cafe & get to know Danni a bit better, and I’m so glad that we did.
Danni is a powerhouse- she’s the real life Wonder Woman and I know that if the local community gets behind her, to support her fabulous business, that it will become a MASSIVE asset to the family community in Knaresborough & Harrogate.
What she needs now is more customers through the door of the cafe and I’m going to tell you why you should make a visit…
Meet Danni:
I’d say that the first thing you notice about Danni is that she’s only got one arm, however I’d be lying. I didn’t actually notice that initially, as Danni is absolutely not the sort of person who would let the fact that she has only one arm limit or define her. As I said, Wonder Woman.
Danni had a terrible car crash 9 years ago and the injuries that she sustained forced the doctors to amputate her right arm at the shoulder. Yes, I asked and yes, she was right handed previously. Danni is totally open and honest about her injuries. She doesn’t mind at all if you or your kids want to ask her about it. She’s very happy to chat and answer any questions.
What else should I tell you about Danni? Well, the lovely lad who runs the cafe with her is her son Ethan. Ethan is just 16 years old and yet he is as involved with the business as his mum. Danni is quite rightly incredibly proud of him and the ideas and work ethic that he brings to the cafe.
Danni also has 4 year old twins- YES TWINS and as if all that isn’t enough, she is also a foster mum. She has over the past 12 years, fostered 28 children aged from 0-18 years old. If you care to ask her, she’ll explain that the amazing tattoo up her left arm symbolises each of them. One leaf for each child that has cared for.
The cafe:
Situated at 59-61 Knaresborough High Street, there’s on street parking outside & round the corner, plus the bus station & Knaresborough railway station are both a very short walk. The cafe is light, bright and airy, outside there are a few small tables for those rare occasions that it isn’t raining! Inside, Danni has tried many different table configurations but is favouring a mixture of large communal tables (for parents & carers who want to chat to others & make friends) along with a few smaller tables for those who want to chill out by themselves or with friends.
And chill out you can! For just £3 per child, there is a small soft play area with a ball pit at the back of the cafe- your little ones can’t escape without passing the seating area, so you might actually get the chance to drink a cuppa whilst its hot!
Danni has thought of everything when it comes to making a parents life easier- in the large private feeding room, there is a bouncy chair, emergency wipes/ nappies & baby food, a weighing scale (for babies) microwave for food & bottle warming.
Usually The Hungry Caterpillar Cafe opening times are as follows:
9-3pm Monday to Thursday,
9-4.30pm Friday (plus teen disco in the evening)
9.30-5pm Saturday
Closed on Sunday
You are, however always advised to check before you make a special trip (Contact them via their Facebook page here) Danni is a single mum and so occasionally, family commitments cause changes to their regular opening hours.
The cafe offers a whole host of eat-in & takeaway options- from kids toast & jam or cereal, through to toasties, panini’s, jacket potatoes, hotdogs, drinks & cakes.
The cafe is available to hire as a venue for a children’s or adult private parties or functions and they also offer kids parties in house.
Community & Events:
Danni wants to make sure that the cafe serves everyone in the community and as such, has arranged a whole host of one-off & regular events.
On a Tuesday mornings 9-11am there is a new parents meet-up in the cafe.
On Friday mornings 9-11am there is a new mums breastfeeding meet-up. Local mums are encouraged to come along with their baby for peer support and to meet new friends.
At both of these sessions, the cafe is open as normal during this time, but with tables set aside for parents who want to chat to each other. You can also make use of the baby weighing scales & height chart if you want.
On Friday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm there is a teen hangout disco (for ages 9-15 years old) cost is £3pp and there are snacks & drinks available to buy (be aware lasers, flashing lights, music and fog machines are in use)
There are regular craft sessions at the cafe- run by ArtVentures. The next one is on Thursday 11th July 3-5pm for children aged 5-10 years old
Danni & Ethan have a whole lot more ideas for the Hungry Caterpillar Cafe (including an Adult SEN disco) and they welcome any suggestions from you all too.
Hopefully I’ve given you a good taster of what to expect at the Hungry Caterpillar Kids cafe in Knaresborough. PLEASE make a trip down to the cafe, introduce yourself to Danni support this lovely business.
The Hungry Caterpillar Kids Cafe, 59-61 High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0HB
Website www.thehungrycaterpillar.uk