Family cafe faces ‘huge’ costs despite popularity

A popular family play cafe in Sleaford has announced it to close, blaming ‘crippling’ costs.

The Bairns was opened by Henna Karim-Sayer in August 2025 after giving birth to her second child when she said the cafe was set up as a means of new mums and parents facing isolation getting together and socialising and supporting each other.

Now in a social media post this week, Henna it will be closing as of Sunday, November 29.

Henna said: “Closing the business is not a reflection on our customers, it is simply because running a small business in today’s world is exhausting. Small businesses everywhere, especially hospitality, are being absolutely crippled by the government. There is no support, VAT is honestly insane in hospitality, the costs of buying things in is through the roof, heating a building costs an ungodly amount, the list is honestly endless.”

She added that The Bairns is busy with “lots of lovely families., but even with all of the people coming through the doors supporting the family business daily, it still does not amount to enough to battle the “crippling” economic climate.

Henna, who is also a teacher and online influencer, felt that many small business owners would agree with her: “What looks like a successful business on the surface can be absolutely stifled by the government, leaving business owners with no other option than to close.”

But she said: “This cafe was my dream since having my eldest daughter. I brought it to life whilst heavily pregnant with my second and opened the doors with a newborn in my arms. It’s been a rollercoaster journey that has taught me so much about myself, business and what’s important to me.”

The business successfully overcame further pressure when it battled to keep its sign above the door when council planners initially insisted it was not in keeping.

Henna thanked everyone that has worked in the business and helped to build her dream. That includes her dad Leeneth who has ben supporting her endeavour while she also raised two small children.

She concluded her message to customers saying: “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and loyalty. We’ve seen so many of you through maternity leave, back to work and the most precious milestones.”

She hoped everyone would continue to support The Bairns up until its closure.