insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 86

CHRISTMAS
Shop ‘til you drop cont.
Folkestone’s Creative Quarter
Pentagon Shopping Centre // Chatham
www.pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk
With over 70 units, including New Look, Boots,
Dorothy Perkins, Burton, and Sainsbury’s, a
16-lane bowling alley, and a huge range of
restaurants and cafés, the Pentagon Shopping
Centre is an established and important local
and regional shopping destination. This is a
great place to relax with a coffee, grab a bite
to eat, bowl the night away and, above all,
shop! For Christmas, the shopping centre is a
really special place to visit, with a grotto and
Father Christmas there to give out gifts to the
little boys and girls. Plus, there is a procession
through the high street that ends at the centre
– it’s full of carol singing, festive lights, and
the goodwill of the season!
The Glades // Bromley
www.theglades.co.uk
The Glades covers 50,600 sq ft and has been
a part of life in Bromley since 1991. 18 million
people walk through its doors every year, but
thanks to its spacious feel and 133 different
units, it’s possible to enjoy the shopping
experience without feeling hurried or
crowded. Where else can you find the Disney
Store, Fraser Hart, Game, French Connection,
and Boros (as well as plenty of other gift
inspiring stores) in one place? Add to that the
large range of restaurants, its great location –
The Glades is situated right in the heart of
86
busy Bromley but is easily accessible by both
road and rail – and the fact that there is a
beautiful Christmas grotto, face painting, a
fun and fabulous kids’ club…this is a family
shopping day at a family shopping centre!
St George’s Shopping Centre // Gravesend
www.stgeorgescentre.co.uk
Easy to get to, easy to park in, easy to get what
you want in…plus Gravesend town is just
outside the door (literally) just in case there is
anything else you need. Combine a trip to St
George’s Shopping Centre with a visit to the
panto at The Woodville which is just a short
walk away, and you really do have Christmas
all wrapped up.
Bligh’s Meadow // Sevenoaks
www.blighsmeadow.co.uk
In Bligh’s Meadow in lovely, leafy Sevenoaks
you’ll find all kinds of shops including Robert
Dyas, Laura Ashley, The Body Shop, The Card
Factory and a large Marks and Spencer
amongst others. If you can’t find what you
need here, then it’s likely you don’t need it at
all. Food-wise you can take your pick from
Bill’s, Nando’s, or Nonna Cappuccini’s, or why
not just take the weight off your feet with a
perfect cuppa from Costa? For a sweet treat,
head to Dulce’s Patisserie, and then home to
wrap all your bargains and cosy up for the fun
times ahead.
The Mall // Maidstone
www.themall.co.uk/maidstone
Kent’s county town has plenty to offer to satisfy
all your shopping needs. No matter what the
weather you can really get to grips with that
seemingly never-ending list of people to buy
for. The Mall is where you can get it all done
in one trip and enjoy some me time once
you’re done. You can stock up on tinsel at the
99p Store, and for gifts the choice is huge.
And, you don’t even have to leave The Mall to
refuel; McDonalds and Pizza Hut are located
here, and if you want a spicy hot drink, there
are many cafés that will give you as much
choice as you need.
Folkestone’s Creative Quarter
// Folkestone
www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk
The Creative Quarter in Folkestone is a very
special place; it’s quirky and unique, and if
you want to ensure that no one is going to
replicate the gifts you’re buying, this is the
place to come to. Be prepared to enjoy your
Christmas shopping for a change as you hunt
for one-off vintage items, handmade food
and art created there on the spot. You can
even drop in for a pampering session for
yourself while you’re there.