Whiteleys Queensway

Originally London's first department store, Whiteleys elegant staircases and interiors are wonderfully elegant and evocative of years past without feeling fusty. The shopping experience is a familiar one - with recognised brands like Zara, Dune, Nine West and Muji being accompanied by the obligatory cinema on the top floor and relaxed dining options. However, compared to other shopping malls, the experience is more of an escape from the madness of the main street than an elevation in activity.

The Odeon cinema is wonderfully comfortable and has some of the best seats we've parked ourselves on in London, and is newly offering a high-end service with luxury chairs and in-film dining options. There is an outlet of the high-end bowling alley All-Star Bowling Lanes and the dining options are discerning too - the award winning Café Anglais is posted here. Though the shopping options are unlikely to impress anyone who's been to, say, Bluewater or any of the Westfields, a trip here can be rarely relaxing and a perfect adjunct to the youthful bustle outside on Queensway.

Opening Hours - 0830 to Midnight, Mon-Sun.

Nearest Tube - Queensway or Bayswater are both nearby. There is also a car park on the top.