The Blurb
Situated in the heart of Parsons Green, Jesse’s House has reimagined what a family members’ club can be. Equal parts stylish eatery, gym and children’s playground, it’s a place where the food is good and the interiors are on trend. They’ve succeeded in cultivating an atmosphere where one can both sip a chai latte on a chic banquette, and where no one will mind if your toddler starts shrieking ‘blue murder’ because he’s being forced to wear socks. For those who still want to do grown-up things (work out, eat lunch, check emails) without leaving their little ones behind, this is as close to parent/life balance as it gets.
To Eat
The dining room hums with the energy of a hundred hangry infants. This is not a place to dine in linen-draped tranquillity – nor should it be – this is a place where healthy food and distraction go hand in hand. With two or three children at every table, it’s busy and just chaotic enough to feel liberating. Here, you can relax knowing that whatever hullabaloo your kid is making, there’s another on the next table who’s twice as loud and throwing broccoli.
A play area and slide sit just steps from the tables, granting adults a few golden minutes of uninterrupted conversation while children entertain themselves. For younger babies, tables are thoughtfully embellished with tiny plastic windmills — the sort of clever detail that sleep-deprived humans appreciate.
The baby menu is a triumph: wholesome yet appealing, packed with choices little ones will actually eat. My nine-month-old tries a coconut curry for the first time and loves it. Our one-year-old dining companion is too thrilled by the slide to bother much with his food, but his mum is impressed with the quality of the steamed cod that arrives (and goes largely untouched.)
For adults, the menu is teeming with crowd pleasers. I order the Chicken Caesar — a plate piled high with tender chicken, creamy dressing and finished with a snow drift of parmesan. My guest opts for the Salad Niçoise, properly executed with plenty of anchovies, olives, tuna and egg. It’s the kind of cooking that satisfies without feeling fussy — simple dishes done well. We also share a side of fries, which arrive a little cold – I’m sure they’d have replaced them if we’d have asked, but we are too swept away in the joyful chaos of it all to bother.
To Drink
The wine list is extensive and extremely tempting. On our visit, the heat (and the prospect of wrangling small children) dictates sparkling water, but it’s easy to picture a lazy weekend here: sipping guilt-free glasses whilst the children exhaust themselves… a prospect which is no doubt worth the membership fee alone.
Swimming
The pools are an enormous asset. In the 28-degree heat, the outdoor splash pool feels like such a treat, complete with striped cushions, a lifeguard and a treasure trove of toys — rubber rings, noodles, balls, etc. It feels a little like a mini Soho House, minus the laptops and the piquantés.
Inside, a tropical bird mural attempts to set a tone of tranquillity for the main pool, which is used throughout the seasons. This larger space hosts swimming lessons for all ages, from babies through to confident youngsters.
Gym & Crèche
While we don’t test it ourselves, the gym is impressively kitted out, with a full programme of classes that range from high-energy HIIT to restorative yoga. The real luxury here is the on-site crèche, making it genuinely possible for parents to carve out an hour for exercise — a detail that feels so obvious and yet revolutionary in its execution.
Soft Play
Forget garish primary colours and badly-drawn cartoon characters: Jesse’s House has one of the most stylish soft play zones I’ve ever seen. A pearlescent ball pit shimmers under the moody lighting, whilst fibre-optic toys, trippy mirrors and plenty of slides keep the children enthralled. Separate zones for different ages make the experience calmer and, most importantly, safer, so parents can breathe easy knowing that their little ones aren’t going to be mowed down by a gang of older kids on a rampage.
In a Nutshell
Jesse’s House is a rare find: a family club that refuses to compromise on style, food, or facilities. Yes, it’s busy… and yes, the noise levels reach top decibel at peak times — but that’s just the nature of a space that’s designed with its noisy clientele in mind. With several more openings already planned, its popularity is set only to grow.
For now, it feels like the blueprint for what modern parenting spaces should be: playful, stylish, and just indulgent enough for the adults to justify the price tag.
The Details
8-10 Heathmans Road
Parsons Green
London, SW6 4TJ
For waiting list info and further openings, visit www.jesseshouse.co.uk
