Gambado, Beckenham, London

Gambado review from the p.o.v of a 7yr old user a.k.a my daughter!

“It’s fun because there are lots of places for children all ages to play. Once you have paid everything is free, apart from the food. It’s good because you can make new friends there. It is like a adventure park because you sometimes get lost and have to look out of the net to see where you are. Sometimes you end up at a dead-end so you have to turn around and find another way to get out. I love Gambado it is fun, fun, fun!”

Well, she sure seems to like it but do I? I actually find it all rather tedious, there are no magazines or papers proived for parents which would go a long way in abating boredom. Even free wi-fi would be great because there is only so much tea you can drink before you glance yet again at the time on your phone, and that is another low point because not only is the entry price extortionate even the snacks are rather expensive.

My top tip is to take the kids off Valley park. Ikea’s play pit is not only free but a lot more fun for parents as well.

When this place first opened it was amazing - the biggest soft play centre in the area - fantastic coffee bar - amazing. But now they’re over-priced. To get in as a parent with 2 children it’s nearly £16 and often a 2 1/2 hour maximum time limit. There used to be trampolines but these have now been removed. There is a car track with bumper cars and a carousel - unlike any other play place in the area - but it’s so expensive. The food used to be fantastic but has now been replaced by a sandwich style bar and processed hot dogs. Save your money and go to Rascals in Bellingham instead!