Run of the Mill, Stockport reviewed

Saturdays, when you have kids, are not your own. Aside from everything else, there’s always an invite to a party. Well, that’s how it feels anyway.

The staff at Run of the Mill were all very friendly and helpful. The venue is clean, safe and there are loads of things to do. It’s bound to get the kids active, burning off any access energy which will, hopefully, lead to an early bedtime and a peaceful night for Mum and Dad.

My toddler’s social life has already taken over mine. He’s competing in a Formular One race whilst I’m stuck in a traffic jam on the M6. He has a diary; I have Sky Plus. So when my little Schumacer gets an invite to another party, it’s bittersweet. Delighted to have been invited, obviously, but jarred by yet a further reminder of my hermit lifestyle.

This Saturday’s invitation was to a party at Run of the Mill in Stockport. Built in an old mill (the clue is in the title) it’s relatively easy to find, especially with the help a modern day map and sat-nav.

Once signed in and past the security gate, you walk into a long, white room. Like the Tardis, it’s size is deceptive. The layout is well thought out with the cafe at the front of the room, seating area in the centre, and play area to the back. This enables all the crazy antics to be contained away from the exit and parents have a good view of any little escapees.

There is a baby area with ball pool, mirrors, toys and ample space for rolling around. The toddler zone has sufficient room for safe play whilst maintaining an exciting environment which includes, among other things, another ball pool, a slide, interactive wall toys, ramps and agility climbing sets.

But the real winner has to be the over-4s area which is extensive. There are trampettes, giant balls, aero-slides, elevated crawl tube, bumpy slides, climbing walls a fantastic ball pit with suction pipes and even an enclosed football and basketball pitch. The list goes on. There’s no way any child could grumble.

The cafe’s menu is child friendly and varied. Care has been taken here and there is an evident pride on producing quality food on the premises. The coffee’s not bad either.

As this was a birthday party, our group was taken to a separate room to have food, cake and party games, which included my personal favourite, musical bumps – oh, to be young again. A long table was dressed with party grub; sandwiches, sausage rolls, crudités, pizza and the kids tucked in with total satisfaction.

The staff at Run of the Mill were all very friendly and helpful. The venue is clean, safe and there are loads of things to do. It’s bound to get the kids active, burning off any access energy which will, hopefully, lead to an early bedtime and a peaceful night for Mum and Dad.

So, even though I was a +1 for the party that Saturday morning, I didn’t take it as a further blow to my dwindling social life. I actually enjoyed it. Run of the Mill? Far from it.

For more information about the centre and prices, go to www.runofthemill.co.uk

Run of the Mill
Pear Mill
Stockport Road West
Bredbury
Stockport
Cheshire
SK6 2BP

Tel: 0161 494 7137