September 19th, 2025.




Local MP James MacCleary officially opened Poppadots, a new forest-themed play café in Newhaven this week.

The new venue offers a creative and welcoming space for young children and their families, combining imaginative play with a relaxed café environment. Families can find out more or book a play session via the Poppadots Facebook page.

James MacCleary said: “It was a pleasure to open Poppadots and support a fantastic new family business in Newhaven. Independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy, bringing life to our town centres and creating places for families to come together. Fay and Jodie have created something really special, and I wish them every success.”

Fay and Jodie, Poppadots’ founders, added: “We started Poppadots for a fun, inclusive safe space for every individual to feel welcome and able to come and play and make lasting memories with their families. It's very close to both our hearts and something we hope will succeed.”

The opening of Poppadots forms part of James MacCleary’s ongoing work to support local businesses across the Lewes constituency. In recent months he has been visiting independent traders and start-ups, meeting business owners to understand the pressures they face, and raising concerns in Parliament about business rates, rising costs and the need for better support for high streets and small enterprises.


Poppadots, Unit 6, Villandy, West Quay, Newhaven
Tel - 07928 552451
Email - poppadotsplaycafe@gmail.com