A Somerset venue is throwing open its doors for a very different kind of night out — one where noise is fine, tablets are encouraged, and meltdowns won't get a single raised eyebrow.

The Loft in Street has launched its first dedicated SEN Supper Club — a regular evening exclusively for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), giving them a rare chance to enjoy a meal out without worry or judgement.

Mark Tobin, the owner of The Loft, said the idea came from speaking to parents who told him they'd simply stopped eating out because of the stress.

"We know that for many families with SEN children, eating out just isn't an option — whether it's fear of judgment, meltdowns over unfamiliar food, or the pressure of sitting still," he said. "This evening is different. It's just SEND families. Tablets are fine. Stimming is welcome. Noise is OK. And nobody has to apologise for being themselves."

The venue will be entirely closed to the public during the event, creating a safe, calm space.

There'll be a soft play interactive area for younger children, courtesy of Mendip Bouncy Castles, and older ones are encouraged to bring whatever helps them feel comfortable — from noise-cancelling headphones to fidget toys or phones.

A special, sensory-friendly children's menu has also been created, offering a two-course meal (main and ice cream) for just £5. Adults can order from the standard menu, and there's the option to pre-order food so it's ready as soon as guests arrive — a small change that could make a big difference for children who find waiting hard to manage.

There's even a quiet area set aside for anyone who needs to take a break from the action.

The Loft is already taking bookings — they're being handled directly through the venue, rather than online, to ensure the night stays strictly SEND-only. If the night proves popular, the plan is to run it again in September, and potentially bi-monthly after that.

One local mum, whose daughter is autistic, said: "Eating out just hasn't really been an option for us as a family. Most places just aren't set up for how our daughter experiences the world. There's more understanding now, but there are still people who can be really judgemental when your child gets overwhelmed.

"Lots of SEND events focus on the kids — which makes sense — but it's so nice to see something that thinks about the whole family too. This gives our daughter the space to be herself, and it gives us a chance to actually relax and enjoy a meal without feeling like we've got to be on edge the whole time."

"This is about creating a space where SEND families can come together, talk, share, and relax," Mark added. "It's not just about food — it's about being seen."

To find out more or book your table, contact The Loft directly via their social media pages or by emailing [email protected].