Emma Grant didn’t set out to launch a global baby brand. It began, as so many good ideas do, on maternity leave with a newborn. A former TOPSHOP fashion buyer of ten years and now mum to three boys, Otto, nine, Ozzy, five, and Milo, three, Emma is the founder of BINIBAMBA, the sheepskin and wool baby brand that has become a favourite among stylish parents worldwide.
After discovering the health benefits of sheepskin following the birth of her first son, she saw an opportunity to “give the bland old world of sheepskin buggy liners a fashionable spin,” and BINIBAMBA was born. What started as a passion project in her garage has grown into an internationally stocked brand, now found everywhere from Selfridges and Harrods to Mytheresa and Smallable, with a team largely made up of working mums navigating the same daily juggle. “The little business that started in my garage has grown, and I am so proud of our amazing team,” she says. “Making sustainable, natural choices for your baby should still be cool.”
Two years ago, Emma and her family swapped London for Tunbridge Wells, a move she admits she made “kicking and screaming” after leaving Walthamstow, but one that’s proved to be great decision for her family. After what she calls a “tour of Great Britain” to find the right place, they landed somewhere that offers countryside calm with an easy London commute. “It’s so beautiful, brilliant for our boys, and I’ve been lucky to meet some amazing women who are on the same page,” she says. “It was a scary move at the time but I am so happy we made the leap.”
Read on to find out more about her favourite places to hang out with her little ones in Tunbridge Wells.
A Favourite Coffee Spot (That Has Enough Space For Buggies)?
Halstead Bakery is hands down the best spot to pick up a coffee & the croissants are the stuff of dreams! The cardamon bun has my heart! For a little more space and to keep my boys occupied though Kidsbury is an amazing kids role play place which has got the coffee spot on! Its filled with the best Scandi toys & everything from an ice cream stand, to a post office to a doctors surgery! My youngest loves it AND the coffee keeps the parents happy to!
A Great Playground Nearby?
Grove Park is tucked just behind the Pantilles so the perfect spot to bump into friends and stop for a quick play whilst running some errands with my boys.
Cool Shops For Little Ones And Grown-Ups?
Tunbridge Wells has all the mainstream shops but to be honest I tend to shop more online & if it’s not Space NK on the Pantilles, you’ll probably find me in Halstead Bakery hoovering up the croissants, jam & great coffee to take home.
Cultural Places To Go With Kids Nearby?
If you love a National Trust, then you’ll love Penshurst Place & Gardens. They always have great things on for the kids, particularly in the holidays and the playground is brilliant too.
Family-Friendly Favourite Restaurants?
Close by to Penshurst is a lovely pub called The Leicester Arms – the perfect spot for a great Sunday lunch or the best pizzas can be found at Cantuccio on Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells.
Read more mama interviews here.
