Hidden gem in the Antrim countryside: Oldstone Coffee and Play opens its doors
- Love Ballymena
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Oldstone Coffee and Play… a hidden gem tucked away in the Antrim countryside
Tucked away in the Antrim countryside, just a 13-minute drive from Ballymena town centre, a former church built in 1872 has been given a thoughtful new lease of life.
Oldstone Coffee and Play, located in Clough village, is the latest example of how rural spaces can be reimagined to serve modern communities — without losing their warmth, character or sense of history.
The idea was born from a simple question:
“Wouldn’t it be great if there was a hidden place or hub where you could meet your friends over great coffee and your kids can play while you catch up.”
For the husband-and-wife team behind the venture, parents of two young children themselves, the answer was clear. Not everyone can easily travel into town, and rural families — along with older residents — often lack accessible, relaxed places to meet.
A cosy coffee stop with quality at its core
At the heart of Oldstone is a small, snug coffee shop nestled beside the former old church building.
Described by its owners as warm, cosy and reminiscent of a “Narnia cabin”, the space welcomes both takeaway customers and those who wish to sit in — from parents with toddlers to retired locals enjoying a quiet cup of tea.
Coffee is supplied by Bailies Coffee in Belfast, with freshly roasted beans underpinning a focus on quality over quantity. The menu also supports local bakeries, offering a rotating selection of traybakes, cakes, cinnamon swirls, croissants and scones.
Alongside hot drinks, customers will find sausage rolls, pies, pancakes, soup with wheaten bread, and the Oldstone team plan to introduce toasted sandwiches in the coming weeks as the business continues to grow.
While the menu is intentionally compact, the emphasis is on consistency, ease and approachability. Everything is served in takeaway-friendly formats — even for sit-ins — ensuring the space remains relaxed, practical and family-friendly.
Designed for families — but not just families
Although the coffee shop was initially introduced as a value-added space for parents visiting the soft play area, it has quickly attracted a broader audience. Retired customers, commuters passing the nearby bus stop, and locals seeking a peaceful countryside coffee stop have all found their way through the doors.
For children, there is a small range of sweets, cold drinks, bubble teas, glycerol-free slushies, candy floss and popcorn — particularly popular with those arriving after school or attending birthday parties.
Importantly, the coffee shop is separate from the soft play hall, making it suitable for quick stops, quiet catch-ups or simply picking up a quality coffee without the noise often associated with larger commercial venues.
A hall built for play, parties and possibility
Beyond the coffee shop lies the old church hall, fitted with underfloor heating and repurposed as a flexible activity space. Here, Oldstone hosts soft play for babies and toddlers, birthday parties, indoor RC racing, wall climbing, bouncy castles and Nerf wars!
The hall is also available for private hire and is set to host a growing programme of evening and community activities — from bingo nights for older residents to Pilates, fitness sessions and parents’ social events.
Located close to the historic Clough Castle, the owners hope to create a sense of quiet magic around what they describe as a hidden gem — a place people discover, return to and feel connected with.
A small, calm alternative to commercial play centres
What sets Oldstone Coffee and Play apart is its scale and philosophy. Rather than aiming to be large or high-volume, the focus is on calm, comfort and community.
The owners say their goal is to create a space that feels snug and manageable — somewhere children can play safely without overwhelming noise, and where parents can genuinely relax.
After just three months in operation, the business is still adapting its offering and opening hours to suit local demand. Currently, Oldstone Coffee and Play is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm, subject to private birthday party bookings.
While still in its early stages, optimism is high — and for many in the surrounding countryside, Oldstone is already becoming something rare: a place to pause, connect and feel at home.
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