to ask to pick the brains of mumsnetters living in Newbury/Winchester/anywhere in between or vaguely nearby?

[Curlylockscurlylocks]

I would be very grateful! I'm trying to find somewhere in this area to meet a potential new nanny for an interview at short notice. Specifically, this Tuesday. The nanny who was meant to be starting with us in a fortnight has just pulled out because she is moving to the US with her boyfriend and so we are reasonably desperate and are trying to facilitate interviews wherever possible.

We have met this lady for a chat on skype already (as she and we were on holiday this week in different parts of the UK) but would like to meet her in person. Going to see her at her holiday location would involve a 6 hour round trip in the car with DD and I'm also aware that it might be a bit intrusive of us when she is on holiday. The Newbury/Winchester area is vaguely halfway between us and so we have agreed that we'll meet up on Tuesday. Ideally, I was hoping for somewhere where DD (10 months) could have a crawl around and a play and see how she interacted with the nanny and vice versa. DD is very active and I suspect that if we meet in a coffee shop I may spend the whole time with DD squirming in her high chair or on my lap, rather than having a chance to either listen to what this lady is saying or watch how they get on. All the stay and plays I can see appear to have stopped for the holidays. Please (please?) could anyone suggest anywhere that might fit the bill? Thank you so much.

[chesterberry]

Could you meet in a local soft-play place? I don't know any personally but that would be a place your DD could have a play and a quick google search brings up a couple in the right kind of area.

Newbury - www.eddiecatz.com/newbury/
Winchester - www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do-family/Winchester/Indoor-Play-Areas

[strawberrypenguin]

There are good outside areas in Winchester round by the leisure centre and cathedral or the local library (Discovery Centre) is actually very child friendly

[Curlylockscurlylocks]

Ah, perfect. I was wondering about the library. That sounds great - thanks very much, both.

[Elisheva]

What about Molly's Den in a Winchester? It's got vintage shops, a cafe and a play area (indoor).

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It is going to be a lot quicker and easier for both of you to find the place and park in Newbury than Winchester.
As well as Eddie Catz there is also the soft play at MFA bowl and Nature Discovery Centre that would be other good places to go.