Autism-friendly Milton cafe enjoying ‘really positive and busy’ first month

By Sarah Garner 15th Mar 2023

The Teapot at Milton, Millrise Road, opened on 4 February (Sarah Garner).
The Teapot at Milton, Millrise Road, opened on 4 February (Sarah Garner).

A new cafe in Milton, which has a distinct focus on being inclusive particularly for those on the autism spectrum, is enjoying a "really busy" first month. 

The Teapot at Milton, Millrise Road, opened on 4 February when Katie Ward took over the venue with an aim to make it the heart of the community. 

Katie told Stoke Nub News: "We've had some really positive feedback and some really nice comments on social media. 

"We've had some teething problems like any business does but we've addressed them and overall it's been really good, really busy."

The Teapot hosted a number of activities over February half term, including sessions where families could have a meal, paint a ceramic ornament and decorate a cupcake on the Wednesday, and Family Pizza Night on Saturday 25 February. 

Katie Ward, owner of The Teapot, says feedback has been "really positive" (Sarah Garner).

Katie said "there weren't huge amounts of people" at the events, but those who did attend "really enjoyed it". 

The Teapot will be serving afternoon tea this weekend for Mother's Day and although Katie says this event is "really busy with bookings", slots remain available at 4pm on Saturday (18 March) and 5pm on Sunday (19 March).

Katie is also partnering with a local Princess Parties company to bring a princess tea party to the cafe - a date for this is yet to be announced. 

When opening the cafe, it was important to Katie to make the cafe welcoming and inclusive, especially for those on the autism spectrum.

She told Stoke Nub News last month: "For me, everywhere should be autism-friendly, it shouldn't really matter, but the reason it's more highlighted is that I've got a child with autism and additional needs and it needed to be somewhere that he was comfortable to come."

Katie bakes fresh cakes every morning at the cafe (Sarah Garner).

To ensure that the cafe caters for everyone, Katie made simple adjustments such as simplifying the children's menu, ensuring that the lights aren't too bright, not playing loud music and creating open space for children to explore. 

One month later, she says there has been "really positive feedback for our autism-friendly focus, the special schools in the area are really pleased that there is somewhere for the children to learn life skills".

The cafe is open Monday to Saturday, although Sundays are available for party bookings. 

For more information about The Teapot, visit their Facebook page or call 07930615863

READ MORE: Stoke man fined for destroying a tree at his Blurton home

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