The cafe is already fully booked for its first day.

“I love being part of the Sunderland community and I feel like I’m really offering something,” says the owner of the city’s newest play cafe.

Mother and daughter Julie Cummings and Victoria Rowell have brought The Wishing Well to Derwent Street | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Mother and daughter Julie Cummings and Victoria Rowell have brought The Wishing Well to Derwent Street | Sunderland Echo

Victoria Rowell and mum Julie Cummings are making a wish with their new Wishing Well cafe, which has transformed the former Designer Childrenswear unit in Derwent Street.

It opens its doors from Monday, September 7 with the first day already fully booked.

“I started taking my daughter Rosa to play cafes when she was one,” said Victoria. “And even though there’s lots of children running around, it’s still a calm environment for parents and carers.

The unit was formerly part of the former Designer Childrenswear store | Sunderland Echo

“Places like soft play are the complete opposite because they’re so big you can’t see your kids half the time. But I like open plan spaces where you can sit and have a coffee and be able to see your child at all times.

“I visited a few sites but as soon as I saw this one and how open plan it is I could envisage how it would work as a play cafe.”

On the menu, there’s breakfast options, such as teddy bear pancakes (£4), granola bowl (£4.25) and lunches including soup bowl (£3.50), paninis and toasties (£6.50) and pitta pizzas (£4.95).

Drinks-wise, kids can have unlimited cordial for £1, with fruit shoot priced £1.50, milk priced £1. Other drinks includes tea and coffees priced from £2.20 and a range of lemonade and pop.

The cafe has a breakfast and lunch menu for children and adults | Sunderland Echo

Sections in the new space include a dedicated baby and toddler area, a dressing up area with a range of costumes, construction and kitchen play stations as well as a reading nook.

Like most play cafes, The Wishing Well is on a bookable basis, however, any leftover sessions will be posted on the day on Facebook.

Spaces are limited so it isn’t too busy for children, with 10 child spaces per session and seating for up to 24 adults.

The cafe joins independent stores in Derwent Street | Sunderland Echo

Sunderland city centre also welcomed another play cafe recently with the opening of Thrive in Sunniside.

“I think it’s great there’s more spaces opening up for families and with us being at opposite ends of the town it means there’s different options for people,” said Victoria.

“I’m from South Shields but have worked in Sunderland before and know the area well. I really like what’s happening here, all the development around Keel Square and Sunniside. I love being part of that community and I feel like I’m really offering something.”