Lakeside (Essex)

[TheSkyWasMadeOfAmethyst]

For boring reasons, DH and I will find ourselves in Lakeside for the whole day tomorrow. As my birthday's coming up he's offered to treat me to a new dress or something. We haven't been for years, last time I went I would have shopped in New Look or Primark. Now I'm older and with a healthier budget, are there any shops people would recommend? I'm 40s and like Hush, Mint Velvet, Sugarhill Brighton, some of the less twee Boden stuff...

Also, where's good for lunch?

Thanks!

Anyone?

You would probably be better off in bluewater there's a Zara in lakeside but not much else.

Thanks, I had a feeling there wasn't much there, hence not having been for years. But we need to be in Lakeside today so going to try and make a day of it.