Lakeside - Shopping on Cloud 9!
Recommendation added: 12/04/2006 19:02
By: yangiet (YSUK rating +41)yangiet has been thanked 2 times for this contribution
"The buzz of senseless and irrational shopping can be experienced in the renowned & designated Lakeside Shopping Centre. During the few hours at the hypermarket, be encouraged to set aside your stressful lifestyle, work-related problems and let your credit card do all the work! Stray loose among their fantastic designer departments [for those with shed loads of disposable income] such as French Connection, Gap and the stylish numbers at Miss Selfridge. If you prefer trendy clothing at a more affordable price, why not check out at H&M, Debenhams [styling the nation] and even Primark! For those going for the alternative, Emo look, there are a few gems of a store at Lakeside. There is undoubtly a retailer for absolutely everyone, with their wide range of stores you are definitely spoilt for choice!
Although Lakeside has emphasized a great deal on fashion, there are many other stores which balance these superficial needs! I do apprehend the hardship felt by men who must trot behind their female partners who flit from one changing room to another, whilst feeding them with artificial compliments, but do not fear - as there are countless stores which will entertain and stimulate those with other interests besides fashion! Check in at the innovative HMV store to sample the most up-to-date video games and technological goodies. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, visit the magnificent Sony Centre to satisfy those who prioritise their hi-tech gear before even their loved ones! I must say the Sony Centre is virtually heaven for men who prefer robots to humans. And plus there is the ground-breaking Dixon's for anyone who can't say 'no' to a wide screen laptop or a plasma television.
Of course, anyone who is a hardcore fan of shopping will know that this hobby is extremely tiresome! So when you've ended your morning shift shopping at Lakeside, be sure to feed your hunger so that you have enough energy when you hit the shops again! If you fancy an Italian at lunch, I personally recommend you to eat at 'Fresh Italy' which will serve you the most exotic Italian dishes! For fast food fanatics, you can choose McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Wimpy, or grab some chicken wings at KFC! Those who liken to more civilized eating, go to the food court Café Giardino, with more upmarket cuisines. Shoppers who need caffeine laden beverages, there are a few specialists that make heavenly coffee, namely; Costa Coffee & Café Nero.
Besides the array of retailers available, Lakeside has pinpoint the needs of family groups. If you are burdened with noisy or kids with tantrum tendencies you can drop them off at the Creche facilities! This is a playgroup which will amuse your children whilst you are entirely free to do your shopping! Don't feel guilty though, because my child tells me that she had a smashing time with the fully qualified childminders. Furthermore, Lakeside has gone to great lengths to provide shoppers with pushchairs to safely harness your child. These are offered free of charge but ID is required.
Okay, now I have got you hooked into this tremendous store, visit now – do not delay! Now it is the Easter Holidays, and you have children hyperactive on over sweetened Easter eggs, why not let them calm down with simple Easter fun at Lakeside? It is mostly free of charge and will stop your child badgering for more Easter Eggs! Here is the events timetable for this Easter only!:
Monday 10 April - Easter crafts
Tuesday 11 April - The Puppetree Theatre Company
Wednesday 12 April - The Funky Chick Show
Thursday 13 April - Dancing fun with Marco the Clown
Friday 14 April - Easter crafts
Saturday 15 April - Easter Eggsplosion show featuring Bruce Airhead and a giant balloon
Monday 16 April - Kid's games with the Shop, Skip and Jump team
There is also the chance to win a Giant Peter Rabbit soft toy
This is a superb opportunity for your child to be educated more about the biblical story behind Easter, rather than the chocolate filled event that your child have been brought up with! On the other hand, if you are hampered with moody teens who are not so easily convinced by Easter style puppets, there is an in-built Vue cinema inside the Shopping Centre! Drop them off there and allow them to be loaded with images of either mindless violence or a good soppy romance movie, and alas… peaceful shopping!
If you're still not convinced, I shall introduce you to the equally as splendid Retail Park which is nearby the Lakeside Shopping Centre. This includes mostly male consumer merchants such as, B&Q, Comet, Currys etc. Not to write off the ladies, there is a huge IKEA store for funky ideas when you remodelling or designing your home! It should also be noted that Lakeside has a vast car park – free of charge! If I'm not mistaken, they were awarded for the outstanding security, cleanliness and services for their car park!
With fantastic transport access there is no excuses for not going. You can decide to travel by coach, bus, train or even cycle there – the possibilities are endless! For car users, Lakeside can be accessed by junctions 30 and 31 off the M25. If you prefer taking a train ride: Chafford Hundred train station is directly linked to the centre. For good clean fun, cycle to Lakeside with cycle paths all around the centre!
Notably, it is crucial to know their opening times, otherwise it could turn out to be a wasted trip!
WEEKDAYS: 10 am -10pm
SATURDAYS: 9am – 7.30pm
SUNDAY: 11am – 5pm
Another beauty spot is the lake situated beside Lakeside [hence the name.] Sitting on a bench whilst admiring the tranquility, you can experience utmost relaxation – a real stress beater! With all these combined qualities - Lakeside is supremely shopping on cloud nine."
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