Biddy in the Kennet Centre

If like me you delight in bagging a bargain, there are many to be had in Newbury’s Kennet Centre. Not only is it easy to park in the spacious car park, but you can do all your shopping under one roof. 

There are lots of different retail outlets here – I always go to Timpsons for key cutting and shoe repairs (the husband collected my red high heels recently, he was worried the staff would think they were his!).

My intention when going to Poundland or the 99p Store is of only buying what’s on my list – but inevitably I am tempted by so many fantastic bargains that I come away with my shopping bag full.  Then there are books galore at The Works, and for greetings cards the Card Factory offers great deals; check out the Hallmark Outlet too!  And if you’re buying cards you might need presents: Wiggler has loads of sensibly priced toys – including great jigsaws and construction kits to keep the children busy. For bigger boys’ toys, Cex Entertainment Exchange is the place for buying or selling computer games, phones, electronics and the like.

Hair salon options include the Cutting Bar and Celly’s Hairstyle International – where everything is £9.50 which makes life easy. And you don’t need an appointment at either salon. The Beauty and Brow Bar offers threading, tinting, waxing and so forth. And if you are treating yourself or someone else, follow your nose to the Body Shop … always such gorgeous aromas wafting as you pass by (and I love their body butter, mmm!). Talking of scents, in the wide open space in the Kennet Centre is Mon Cherie Flowers.  

There are lots of lovely clothes in Roman Originals fashion shop; did you see the pretty green and white dress on display this summer? That’s been one of my favourites of the season. And just popped up (quite literally) in August is pop-up boutique Luna – funky, fresh and affordable fashions! The husband in particular is a master at finding bargains at TK Maxx (he is a bit of a designer label fiend!). Then there is Peacocks who always have fashions at great prices … and, just outside their store, who can resist the automata by artist Keith Newstead of the little man riding his bike? I cannot pass by without pressing the button. (If you don’t know what I’m on about, it’s time you went and explored …).

So, what else? Well, specialist shops include Mobility Direct – ideal for everything to help those who cannot get around so easily: wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs, bath lifts, stair lifts, household and walking aids – they’re all here. For hobbyists, the Wool Shop is packed with not only wools but embroidery silks, sewing aids and the like, and Treasure Hunting is a metal detector enthusiast’s paradise!

For nuts, dried fruits, lentils, green teas and the like, head for Grape Tree Health Foods and stock up on such essentials at low prices.  And if you have food in mind (and I normally do!) there are plenty of places to eat in the Kennet Centre, including Boswells café – ideal for a coffee, snack or something more substantial; they have a huge menu (generous portions too), very reasonable prices, plenty of seating and lovely, friendly staff. And have you tried the Cake Boutique yet? Tucked away near the entrance onto the Market Place, this is a pretty tea shop with all sorts of teas and coffees available, and a very tempting array of cakes (I was totally torn between the apricot frangipane tart and the almond and chocolate torte … decisions, decisions.) If it’s something savoury you fancy, and if you love chicken, no doubt you know about Nando’s, who are ideally placed for Vue cinema. As well as all the latest films, if you haven’t experienced the live theatre broadcasts at Vue yet, I can thoroughly recommend you do. For example, coming in September is Billy Elliot: The Musical from London’s West End (where I saw it several years ago and can’t wait to see it again). There are also productions coming up from the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre … how lucky are we? (Check out the Vue website for dates and details.)

There is so much in the Kennet Centre – this is just a flavour of what’s on offer so you really need to explore to find out what else is here. Oh yes, and they even hold special events from time to time: look out for the Monster Show on 31 October and Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary birthday party on 30 November – fabulous family entertainment!

Biddy x