Magical opening weekend for Harry Potter-inspired cafe in the Black Country

The Harry Potter-inspired Junction 9 3/4 cafe in Wednesbury celebrated its first weekend since lockdown restrictions were lifted with a mixture of events, all themed around the popular book and film series.

Children coming into the cafe were encouraged to wear fancy dress, a magician was on hand to perform tricks, a selection of Owls were present and a Ford Anglia was parked outside.

Jennie Bentley, who owns the cafe with her partner Ashley Hodgkins, said it had been a day of fun and a great way to properly open up to the pub.

She said: "It's the first actual weekend we've been able to have people dining, because we couldn't open our doors until April 2.

"We thought it would be a good idea to have the event today and raise money for the Owl Sanctuary, which we've done by selling tickets for today and 50 percent going to the sanctuary.

"It's been crazy and busy, but such a good day and I loved it when I heard a couple calling their friend to tell them about the cafe and then say it wasn't in London, but was in Wednesbury."

The wizard-theme cafe also contains lots of memorabilia and fond references to Harry Potter, with Ms Bentley saying she and her partner were huge fans and had just decided to give running a cafe a go.

She said: "It's been great today to see people for more than five minutes because, until last week, we were only able to operate as a takeaway.

"They've been able to come in and have a coffee and cake and have a proper chat with us, which has been nice to help build a relationship.

"I've seen so many people dressed up today and the kids have had the most amazing costumes, which I love and moved my mum to tears because she was loving seeing it.

"It's been a massive day for us and it's just nice to have the support of the community."

Junction 9 3/4 can be found at 3 Spring Head, Wednesbury.