A first-time visitor to the Trafford Centre has compared it to Las Vegas, describing the shopping centre as "the Las Vegas of the UK" and saying he would return "in a heartbeat."
Liam De Brun, a TV and Celebrity writer, visited the Trafford Centre for the first time after recently going to Piccadilly Gardens. He made his way along the tram on an "oddly sunny Wednesday afternoon" and was immediately struck by the comparison.
A Grand Entrance and a Food Court Like No Other
Arriving at what is called the Great Hall Entrance, De Brun was greeted by a Roman Centurion, a griffin, and a unicorn. The writing underneath the statues reads in all caps 'HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD'.
De Brun, who hails from County Donegal in Ireland, describes himself as a "fairly miserable shopper" who does a lap of each shop in five minutes before waiting awkwardly outside for his partner. He suggests that D-tier shoppers like him should consider a shopping bootcamp before heading to the centre.
From the moment you walk through its doors, the centre does not hold your hand. Boasting marble staircases "fit for royalty" and palm trees, it could be mistaken for a five-star hotel. The food court, conveniently placed on the bottom floor, features giant pillars, countless statues, and an endless amount of food options. De Brun noticed it had a giant swimming pool and even a stage.
Arcade, Shops, and 8,000 Steps
From the food court, De Brun made his way into a bright building with Namco on its front. It was a full-on arcade with a mix of contemporary and classic games, a bowling alley, and bumper cars inside.
According to his Fitbit, De Brun walked 8,000 steps from the two floors of shops alone. He found himself walking into designer stores such as Lacoste and Gucci and gazing at a watch from Omega that cost £6,000.
His purchases included Kyle MacLachlan's new memoir from TG Jones for £12.50 and two Shrek Lego minifigures from The Lego Shop for £3.50 each. He told the girl behind the till the latter was for his nephew, though he does not have one.
Oddities and a Verdict
De Brun's favourite shop was Selfridges, which he compared to stepping into Narnia. He also noted the oddities in the centre, including many statues of naked women, an Egyptian-themed entrance to the toilets, a giant ferris wheel, the biggest JD Sports he's ever encountered, and a Wetherspoons.
The Trafford Centre has been stuck in his mind for the past 48 hours. He says there are probably lots of secret areas he didn't come close to stumbling upon. Asked if he would go back, he said: "In a heartbeat. The Trafford Centre awoke something deep inside me that I didn’t know was there."
