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Why could they round it up to a pound! well I guess the name of the store speaks volumes, everything is 99p. Huge varied range of items. I think the best bargains can be had on seasonal items like christmas/halloween decorations. You can pick up some real bargains on these. Generally you get what you pay for and a lot of the items are just cheap replicas. Great for school stationary, pens sets, notebooks. Be careful though as some items (ie clothing) don’t have the fire retardent labels on them. Cleaning products are normally a good bargain as you can pick up 2 for 1 deals. They have now started doing a range of cards (birthday etc) which are reasonably priced and not bad quality. One thing that hits you when you walk into the store is the packs of batteries. These are great for the kids toys at christmas. 8 x panasonic batteries for 99p!!!!

Haven’t been to lakeside in a while, so was looking forward to doing a bit of christmas shopping. Located just off the m25, this impressive site has everything. Chafford hundred railway station is opposite and is easily assessible over a thoroughway. If you are coming by car there is ample free parking being one of the most important things. Walked through a massive marks & spenser store to arrive in the middle of the mall where they had set out santa’s grotto. By the way this is free and each child leaves with a toy/pressie. If you do decide to take the kids be prepared for a long queue or book online to fast track the queues. Tons of shops all under one roof. Perfect to find everyones presents all in one day. Especially now most of the stores have a 20% sale on. Level 1 and 2 are all the stores and level 3 is the food court. Dotted around are information desks and boards with maps to help you find your way. The only downside are the toilets are located at the far ends.

We love to go to Frankie & Benny’s for birthdays and anniversaries. It has a lively buzzing atmosphere which welcomes and warms you. When you walk in it feels like an american diner, with the jazz sounds blaring out. The music is quite loud and some may find this annoying but most love it. If they are busy, you are given a pager and they buzz you when your table is ready. This gives you time to go to the bar and enjoy a drink. Do try one of their fabulous cocktails (they do them without alcohol as well). Their Benny’s Banana Mocha is delicious, reminds me of being on holiday. Shown to our table, their menu consists of pizza, pasta, steaks and similar. I would recommend the New York Chicken with herb potatoes. The portions are quite large and substantial. Good food, but a little expensive. Do look out for vouchers on the net. They are always doing £5.00 off. If you sign up to their website they will email you offers as well.

There are actually 2 Pizza Huts located at lakeside. One is in the shopping mall, the other is on one of the retails parks (near the Next clearance store). On arrival you have to wait to be seated, and if it’s a busy day it can sometimes mean queuing outside (there is no waiting area). We were shown to our seats, given childrens pack and crayons to keep the kids occupied and quiet. We decided to go for the sharing platter for starter, which consisted of garlic bread, chicken wings, potatoe wedges and a selection of dips. We then had the Large Cheesey bites bbq chicken pizza. oh my god this was absolutly delicious. Freshly cooked and tasted fantastic. Shame there was only 3 pieces of chicken on it (smothered in bacon though). Pizza hut have an ice cream factory ie the kids are given a bowl and they help themselves to this white stuff that’s supposed to be ice cream and looks like lumpy milk. They then can have a topping of sauces and sweets. Looks revolting but they liked it.

I remember back in the olden days my mum taking me shopping and bribing me with a promise of going to wimpy if I as good. Things don’t appear to have changed much. A lot of choice on the menu, not just beef burgers. They also do chicken, fish, sausages and a couple of vegetarian options all served with the traditional chips. They now do proper milkshakes, nice and creamy like mcdonalds. Also have a few speciality coffees. I love there quarter pounder with cheese, what is in that special sauce, its fantastic. There burgers are quite big and if you fancy chips just get 1 portion and share or you’ll have no space for dessert. They still have there traditional banana split and knickerbocker glory. All served up on real plates, not paper and cardboard boxes

Located on one of the retail parks, a nice big store with plenty of choice. You need to be a member to shop there but you can join at the customer services desk when you arrive. Members receive regular email updates of special offers and new lines/ranges coming in. This chain has been around for a while now and has kept up with the times. Its trends and fashions have attracted the younger crowd and opened up a new market. It’s existing clientelle are aware of its well made, taylored, classic designs. Massive range that appeals to all. The kids range is a little disappointing especially for boys. But the menswear is fantastic, trousers sold with different leg sizes and some real bargains to be had.

Located in Lakeside shopping centre, spread across 2 levels. Downstairs you have womenswear, underwear, sleepwear, children’s clothing, shoes and a great seasonal department. This had all the christmas gift ideas, which are original and fun. The clothes are bright, well made and fashionable. Now BHS has introduced Tammy into its stores, it has attracted a lot of the youngsters into the store with its stylish fresh range. Do check out the party dresses, may be a little expensive but your guaranteed you are not going to turn up for new years eve in something someone else has on. They do a good range of shoes as well, especially the boys going out shoes. With the 20% discount on this weekend some real bargains can be had. Upstairs you will find the menswear and homeware departments.

Located on one of the retail parks, not actually in the shopping arcade. This massive store is absolutely fantastic. Your guaranteed to find something here for those little ones. A lot of the items are on display which means you or the kids can have a hands on try at the items prior to buying. They have a good selection of bikes for all ages and plenty of staff available to give advise. They also have an impressive babies r us department which has cots, buggy’s, prams, car seats all sorts. Keep an eye out for discount vouchers on the net, you can pick up a real bargain sometimes.

What a nightmare, what ever possessed me to go in there. I received a magazine/catalogue through the post and whilst flicking through the pages, a few items caught my eye. Finally persuaded my husband to take me there to have a look (BIG mistake). We got there about 11am on Friday and were astonished at how packed the car park was, on the plus side I thought if the car park is busy it must mean it’s a popular shop. Once inside we felt like we were part of a herd of cows being shuffled along. You can only go around the store one way (bit like a confusing conveyer belt) Took ages to find what I was looking for and then it was an absolute disappointment. Poorly made, cheap looking tat. Couldn’t wait to leave (escape).

I Love Gregg’s. You can always rely on them to fill you up with something fresh and tasty. Their pies/pasties are always baked fresh on the premises, (not reheated like other places) and their Steak Bake is always popular with the local builders. Gregg’s is also good value, they always do special prices for buying more than 1 item and their fresh cream cakes are to die for. They even do a sort of meal deal thing which is great for lunchtime. Best thing is you can find them located just about everywhere, I think there are 3 around Romford shopping mall alone.