If, like me, you prefer to see and try on clothes before you buy them, then you may want to know about the Boden clothes shop in Park Royal. True, it’s not centrally located. However, it is easy to get to - off the A40, just before the Hangers Lane Gyratory System and a minute from the Park Royal Tube Station.

For those that don’t know about Boden, it is (primarily) a mail order/Internet clothes manufacturer. It does well made clothes for women, men and kids. The clothes aren’t cheap, but they will last. I’ve had one pair of trousers last through my two kids, AND my two nieces! The kids clothes in particular have fun designs and are always a big hit with my kids.

The staff at the shop are very helpful - friendly, but not pushy. If you don’t see the size you need, ask someone - they may have it in the back. This is one of the few places I will ask the staff what they think about an item on me. The answers seem honest and ranges from “very nice” to “not your colour… have you seen the blue one - I’ll get it for you”, and of course, “do you want to try another size?”.

Be warned, the shop doesn’t stock everything from the catalogues, so you may need to order it after all.