The Hive is the new name for Park Barn Social Centre. The Hive is nestled behind the trees along Park Barn Drive, just by Kings College School. The centre is an accessible space and open to everyone of all ages. The space celebrates bringing people together and providing the communities with somewhere to get together, enjoy and be inspired.
There is a children’s playroom adjacent to the cafe area and is free for under 6s. It is a large carpeted room with toys, mini ball pond, a playhouse, books, sensory toys, drawing table and baby bouncers.
When the weather is warmer there is a small enclosed outside area with ride on toys, a playhouse and some soft play equipment. The children can play as long as required in this room and is a bright space for them to explore at their own leisure.
When we visited there was a gorgeous farmyard which had been knitted, Noah spent ages playing with this.
There is also a coffee shop called the Honey Pot. Fresh cakes, light bites and refreshments are available, including a mug of tea or coffee. There is plenty of seating available and the coffee shop is located right in the centre of the centre. It has a lovely welcoming feeling to it.
Thrive at the Hive launched in 2019. They focus on reducing landfill of homeware and clothes. Thrive at the Hive is a space to access essential items. They stock clothing from new-born to seniors, kitchen and homeware items, shoes for all sizes, toys, children’s books and some essential larger items such as buggies. Everything is donated by the community and they ensure the quality and cleanliness is of a high standard. It is available on a pay-as-you-feel basis. This means you can give as much or as little as you like for your items. All money donations go back into community projects.
They also have a community fridge which is open for everyone. The fridge reduces food waste in the borough and celebrates sharing of quality food. Since we launched we have had over 1000 visitors!
The fridge has a mixture of quality food items throughout the week including cupboard essentials, fresh fruit and vegetables.
There is free parking outside the Hive for people to use. They also run different activities throughout the year so check regularly on their social media as they always are advertising there.
If you have little ones, find all the baby & toddler groups and classes in Guildford.
