On Thursday I spent a lovely long lunchtime in Springfield Mills in Denby Dale. After my daughters Swinbabes swimming lesson at Inkermann Pool in Denby Dale, I thought I’d take her to Jelly Beans as her Grandparents, who usually look after then, were on holiday.
It is the first time we’d been since the new owners took over and we were really impressed with the changes that they had made. It seemed so much bigger. When I say seemed, it actually was. There are no longer the double doors to get in and what I assume was a storage area is now an imaginative play area with wooden kitchens and other role play toys.
The counter has been extended and there seemed to be more tables. There is a new structure in the middle with different ways to climb and explore, although I think it is definitely too small for adults to join in, but they can be right by the little ones at all times.
The other massive change is the addition of the party room; there have been more walls removed, which again I assume must have been a storage area. The party room is sectioned off area with low walls and a gate and there is a low table with little chairs seated around it.
The menu has had a bit of a jig, but is near enough the same, basically sandwiches, jacket potatoes and salad, with numerous cakes on the counter. The salmon and cream cheese bagel seemed to be popular order, as I noticed a few people were served it and the kid’s picnic meals are served in mini shopping baskets.
An added bonus was that Tracey from Bongo Beats came along for a half an hour session included in the price of play; this apparently happens every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. It was a great introduction to what she offers, other than a birthday party, we’ve not had the chance to experience her sessions as my daughter has always been at nursery when they are on elsewhere.
The other massive improvement the new owner of Jelly Beans has made is the small touches added to the toilets, transforming the experience. A pile of nice soaps, hand creams and air freshener, as well as toddler toilet seat, a step and I think there was even a cushioned changing mat on the fold down one. The extra special touch was the toys hanging from the ceiling above, to distract them when they’re having their nappies changed.
While we were in Springfield Mills we also popped in to say hello and see how Crafty Kids were getting on – what an excellent concept she’s got! Messy creative play for under 8’s! It is perfect if you want to keep your carpets and walls safe and let someone else do the tidying up whilst not denying your children this vital learning experience.
Of course we also bought some cut off portions of the amazing wedding cakes on offer from Joanna Rose … they are so amazing they are irresistible! We also had a brief nosey in the Denby Dale Centre’s second hand shop and I had to retrieve nosey britches from wandering into the Curtain Shop – Ashley Interiors. I did also nip into Hand in Hand Nutrition & Fitness but she had a client with her, so I said I’d comeback another time and she gave me a leaflet detailing the Pilates, Yoga, Boot Camp, Mother and Baby fitness and Metafit classes.
Springfield Field Mills is a great amenity for the HD8 area and Denby Dale in particular; admittedly the building needs some love but the retail units contained within provide enough for you to over look the tired entrance and walkways.
There are many other units not listed above which has no reflection of their appeal, but there is only so many that you can visit with a nearly 3 year old who just wanted to go on the Postman Pat and other rides situated in the corridors. Why not visit and see for yourself what there is for you.
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