Bentall Centre
A spacious, fully covered shopping centre in Kingston offering diverse retail, dining, and services, ideal for any weather.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Bentall Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spacious, fully covered shopping centre in Kingston offering diverse retail, dining, and services, ideal for any weather.
"The Bentall Centre is a great place for a relaxed shopping trip with a wide range of stores and food options."
🎯 Fully Covered Shopping
Enjoy a weather-proof shopping spree as the entire centre is covered. :umbrella:
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Lee's Donuts inside offers coffee and treats, a great spot to recharge. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Retail Collection
Explore a wide range of international and high-street brands, from fashion to homeware, all under one roof.
Festive Atmosphere
Experience the seasonal magic with beautiful festive decor and a lively ambiance during holiday periods.
+1
Convenient Dining Options
Refuel with a variety of eateries, from quick bites at McDonald's to more substantial meals, perfect for a shopping break.
Accessible Design
Enjoy a seamless shopping journey with brilliant access throughout, making it perfect for disabled users and families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Indoor Experience
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Fully Covered Shopping
Enjoy a weather-proof shopping spree as the entire centre is covered. :umbrella:
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Lee's Donuts inside offers coffee and treats, a great spot to recharge.
✨ Seasonal Sparkle
Visit during holidays for festive decor and a magical shopping experience.
♿ Excellent Accessibility
The centre is designed for brilliant access, ideal for disabled visitors and families. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Fully Covered Shopping
Enjoy a weather-proof shopping spree as the entire centre is covered. :umbrella:
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Lee's Donuts inside offers coffee and treats, a great spot to recharge.
✨ Seasonal Sparkle
Visit during holidays for festive decor and a magical shopping experience.
♿ Excellent Accessibility
The centre is designed for brilliant access, ideal for disabled visitors and families. :wheelchair:
🍣 Quick & Tasty Lunch
Check out the Takenaka food truck for a fast and delicious lunch option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Bentall Centre is praised for its extensive range of shops, excellent accessibility, and cleanliness, making it a comfortable and convenient destination, especially on rainy days. However, some patrons lament the removal of seating areas, feeling it diminishes the relaxed atmosphere.
"To the Management of The Bentall Centre,
I am writing to you as a long-time patron who has watched the Bentall Centre transform from a community hub into a space that now feels increasingly transactional and dismissive of fundamental customer needs. The recent removal of sofas and other cozy seating areas has fundamentally degraded the shopping experience for me, my family, and, I suspect, for many other shoppers.
There was a time when a visit to the Bentall Centre was an event. It was a place where one could shop, yes, but also relax, reconnect, and unwind. The provision of comfortable seating was a silent acknowledgment from management that you valued our time and our presence beyond our wallets. It allowed families to shop together comfortably, for one member to rest while others continued browsing, and for the elderly to take a necessary break. This created an atmosphere of care and respect.
Now, that atmosphere has been eradicated. The message this sends is stark and deeply disappointing: our comfort and our time are no longer your concern. The sole objective appears to be moving us from store to store without respite. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a fundamental failure in customer experience that stands in direct contrast to your competitors, like Westfield, who understand that comfort breeds loyalty.
From a legal and regulatory standpoint, while there may not be a statute mandating sofas in a shopping mall, British consumer protection framework is increasingly focused on transparency and fair business practices. It emphasize honest dealing and the obligation to address customer concerns. By creating an environment that is physically uncomfortable and ignoring repeated feedback on this issue, the Bentall Centre risks being seen as indifferent to the legitimate expectations of its shoppers. Furthermore, a failure to act on this feedback could be construed as a disregard for your duty to provide a satisfactory standard of amenity, potentially opening the door to reputational damage and a loss of consumer trust, which the Act is designed to protect.
We are not merely metrics on a foot-traffic report, we are people. The removal of seating is a decision that disproportionately affects families with young children, the elderly, and individuals with mobility challenges. It shows a lack of respect for shopper relaxation and peace of mind.
We urge you to rectify this situation. The solution is simple, cost-effective, and would be met with immense gratitude,
· Immediately reinstate comfortable, cushioned seating and sofas in key locations throughout the mall.
· Create dedicated "relaxation zones" that offer a respite from the bustle of the mall.
· Publicly commit to maintaining these customer-centric amenities.
I, and many others, look forward to your prompt and positive response. We hope to once again see the Bentall Centre as a destination that values the entire customer experience, not just the commercial transaction."
Yaz Ken
"I was extremely impressed with this mall.
its got a great range of units from clothing to restaurants.
Access throughout is brilliant its perfect for disabled users.
The layout flies really well creating a vibrant and fresh feel. The cleanliness is spotless throughout also.
Fenwick is a good store to visit. And if you want a coffee I recommend McDonald's on lower floor as its very quiet."
David N
"Kingston upon Thames is a charming riverside town that blends historic character with modern convenience. Known for its rich royal heritage it was once a coronation site for Saxon kings. Kingston boasts beautiful architecture, a vibrant town center, and a lovely stretch of the Thames ideal for riverside walks or boat trips.
The shopping is a major draw, with a mix of high street brands, independent boutiques, and a bustling market. Dining options are diverse, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, and there’s a strong arts presence, anchored by the Rose Theatre."
Adee “Addy”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bentall Centre is easily accessible. The nearest station is Kingston. For those using public transport, it's a convenient location within Kingston upon Thames.
Yes, it's a prominent shopping complex in Kingston. If you're coming from Burrard Station, you can walk directly into the Bentall Centre without stepping outside.
Information on specific parking facilities and costs can usually be found on the official Bentall Centre website or by checking local parking apps.
Kingston upon Thames has a well-connected bus network. Check local bus routes for services that stop near the Bentall Centre or Kingston town centre.
Absolutely! The Bentall Centre is praised for its brilliant access throughout, making it perfect for disabled users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bentall Centre itself is free. You only pay for the items you purchase from the individual stores within the centre.
Opening hours can vary slightly by store, but the centre generally operates during standard retail hours. It's best to check the official Bentall Centre website for the most up-to-date information.
There are no admission fees to enter the Bentall Centre. It's a public shopping centre open to everyone.
Gift cards are often available for shopping centres. Inquire at the customer service desk or check the Bentall Centre's official website for details on purchasing gift cards.
The Bentall Centre typically observes public holidays, but individual store hours may differ. It's advisable to confirm holiday opening times in advance.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
The Bentall Centre features a wide variety of shops, including international retail stores, high-street brands, and smaller boutiques, offering everything from fashion to homeware.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, some larger department stores within the centre, like Fenwick, may offer personal shopping services. It's best to inquire directly with individual retailers.
Specific brand availability can change. It's recommended to check the official Bentall Centre directory or website for an up-to-date list of all stores.
Many individual stores within the Bentall Centre will have their own online shopping platforms. The centre itself may also offer a consolidated online presence or directory.
You can typically find jewellers within larger department stores or as standalone boutiques. Check the Bentall Centre's store directory for specific locations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Bentall Centre offers a range of dining choices, including cafes like Lee's Donuts and restaurants such as Takenaka's food truck, as well as options within department stores like Fenwick. McDonald's is also a quiet option on a lower floor. +1
Yes, there is a McDonald's located on a lower floor of the Bentall Centre, noted for being a quiet spot for a coffee or a meal.
Lee's Donuts is located inside the Bentall Centre, offering fresh donuts and coffee, and even a retro video game to enjoy while you wait.
Options like Takenaka's food truck offer fresh and tasty Japanese cuisine, which can be a good choice for a healthy lunch.
Dining hours generally align with the centre's opening hours, though individual restaurants may have slightly different operating times. It's best to check with specific eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the Bentall Centre can offer interesting photographic subjects, from its architecture to seasonal decorations. One photographer captured a beautiful moment with someone reading by the water fountain.
Early mornings or evenings, especially during festive seasons, can offer unique lighting and fewer crowds for photography. The exterior can also be interesting during events.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial purposes is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other shoppers and store policies.
The water fountain area has been noted as a picturesque spot. Seasonal decorations, especially during Christmas, also provide great photo backdrops.
Street photography capturing the urban environment, lifestyle shots, and seasonal event photography are popular themes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some visitors miss the presence of sofas, the availability of cafes and eateries provides opportunities for breaks. The variety of shops means there's likely something to interest everyone in the family. Consider planning your visit around meal times to take advantage of the diverse dining options.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
While the removal of some seating has been noted, the centre's overall ease of access and the availability of cafes for rest breaks make it a viable and pleasant destination. It's a place where visitors can shop and move around with confidence and ease.
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Variety
The centre's layout is designed to be easy to walk through, preventing that overwhelming feeling often associated with large shopping complexes. This makes it enjoyable to explore the different offerings without feeling rushed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bentall Centre Experience: More Than Just Shopping
Recent feedback suggests a shift, with some visitors noting the removal of sofas and comfortable seating areas. This change has led to a perception that the centre is becoming more transactional, prioritizing movement through stores over shopper comfort. This is a point of contention for some, who feel it detracts from the overall experience, especially for families, the elderly, or those with mobility challenges.
Despite these concerns, the Bentall Centre remains a popular spot, particularly on rainy days, due to its fully covered nature. Its clean facilities, including spotless toilets and well-maintained baby changing rooms, are frequently praised. The centre's layout is also commended for being easy to navigate, creating a vibrant and fresh feel.
Navigating the Shops and Services
Beyond traditional retail, the centre provides essential services and unique offerings. For instance, Lee's Donuts offers a sweet treat and coffee break, complete with a retro video game for entertainment.
The Takenaka food truck provides a quick and tasty lunch option, showcasing Japanese cuisine. These additions contribute to the centre's appeal as a place to spend more than just a quick shopping trip.For those seeking specific items, the centre's directory is key. While specific brands like Hugo Boss or Zara might be present, it's always best to consult the Bentall Centre's official website or inquire at the information desk for the most current store listings.
Seasonal Charm and Events
+1The centre also participates in or hosts external events. For example, it has been a location for block parties, such as the Public Disco Cherry Blossom Block Party, which brings a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere to the area outside the centre.
These seasonal events and decorations enhance the overall visitor experience, turning a regular shopping trip into a more memorable occasion. They contribute to the centre's reputation as a place that embraces community spirit and festive cheer.
+2
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit