I have to hold my hands up and say that I don’t do a huge amount of shopping on the high street anymore, because our local one is ummm <insert unkind words here>. On the odd occasion we do need something we head off to Guildford, and wonder if we park at the bottom of the hill or the top, or Reading and then wander around lost for hours and come home disappointed.
Most of my shopping is done online because it just saves me time but there are days when I think I could really just do with a mooch around shops because I don’t actually know what I need. Online shopping is great if you want something specific but when you think “I just need to buy everything for everybody and I don’t know what I want” then you need shops. Ditto when you want to treat yourself but don’t know what with.
So I have been following with interest the redevelopment of Bracknell and the promise of a new “shopping destination” just up the road. I used to live in Bracknell and thought it was a bit of a dump. Sorry, that is really unkind and to be fair Princess Square was okay but the rest of it was just a concrete monstrosity, filled with shops that always felt a bit uninspiring.
Not anymore though, not now The Lexicon has finally opened its doors after over a decade in the planning. It is so transformed I am now regretting moving away from the town 16 years ago and wishing I was still on its doorstep.
The Lexicon really has transformed what was the old town centre. Princess Square is still there, but behind it now lies THE place to shop in the area. With all the high street brands you can think of: Fenwick, Boots, Burton, Charles Tyrwhitt, Cath Kidston, Fat Face, Joules, L’Occitane, M&S, Pandora, Primark, and Seasalt Cornwall to name a few. Of course Fenwick houses all the top beauty brands you could ever wish for, and a homewares department to die for. Plus there are also more restaurants than you can either just grab a coffee and a sandwich or sit down for a full meal.
Add to that a cinema and you really do have everything you might need for a day, or evening out (shops are open until 8pm normally, 9pm in December).
The best parking is in “The Avenue”, where the lifts drop you right in the centre of the shops, though other parking in Bracknell is only a short stroll away.
Something else I loved was that The Lexicon have launched their own Gift Card. Available to buy in dominations from £5 to £1000 it is accepted by over 75 of the outlets (who display signs on their windows to show they accept it). They can be purchased online here: The Lexicon Gift Card or from the management suite on the lower ground floor. Ideal stocking fillers, or presents for those tricky to buy for people.
In December there is also a line up of entertainment for all the family that includes live bands, glitter painting, and even an appearance from Ben and Holly. For a full list check out The Lexicon Events page.
Whilst there last weekend I did also notice that there is a post box for you to write a letter to Father Christmas, but not your usual letter. This post box is for wishes:
From Saturday, November 25 2017, a giant red post box will be situated outside Pandora, giving shoppers the opportunity to post a Christmas wish request for a loved one.
Simply post a card or letter in the box nominating your best friend, parent, sister, colleague or anyone who has been a star this year and deserves a treat.
The post box will close on Sunday, 17 December 2017 at 5pm so that The Lexicon has time to make five Christmas wishes come true
Wishes that you think Father Christmas and The Lexicon might be able to make come true. I have just written my letter so will nipping back this week to drop it in the box.
I might also have to nip back into Fenwick and revisit the Dior counter where I popped in with a question, and ended up having my make up done by the lovely Sarah who promised me she could fix my perpetual “I can’t find the right foundation” question, and leaving with one or two things for myself.
Would be rude not to, right?