Ex-Teacher’s New Venue Fully Booked Weeks After Leaving Job

Sarah Sweeney, 34, a former Pinehurst Primary School teacher from Aigburth, has seen her new venture “explode” since opening. After nearly a decade in education, she launched Little Liverpool, a play café and village for babies and toddlers at The Matchworks in Speke.

The venue combines 90-minute stay-and-play sessions for children up to seven with a café for parents, featuring role-play stations, soft play, sensory areas, and mini shops. Weekends are reserved for private parties.

Sweeney said the idea grew from feedback from parents seeking a space to relax while their children play. “It all fell into place,” she said. “Learning through play is real, and I wanted to create a magical space where children could thrive.”

Since opening, Little Liverpool has built nearly 10,000 Instagram followers, with sessions and seasonal events regularly selling out.