So, here’s our lowdown on the top toy shops in and around Uxbridge to help you tick off that Christmas list.

🎁 The Entertainer – The original. The OG. A Bit of a Legend

You can’t have a top toy shop list without mentioning The Entertainer. This high street favourite has been around for years and years and is always chock-full of toys, games, puzzles and seasonal must-haves. They’ve got all the big brands, friendly staff, and loads of choice – what more could you want from a toy shop?

🧸 Smyths Toys – Worth a Trip

Just a short hop outside of the town centre, Smyths Toys is well worth a detour. They’re famous for having a massive range of toys and brilliant prices, which is perfect if you’re after big-ticket items, bikes or any of the latest gaming accessories. Do your whole Christmas shop in one hit? Smyths is the place to go.

🏪 Toy Town – The High Street Favourite

Toy Town has been around since 1980 and is now one of the biggest independent toy retailers in the whole of the UK. It’s a local favourite, and they’ve got loads of the classic toys and games you know and love – we’re talking LEGO, Barbie and Disney all in one place! And what’s more, they’ve also got a nursery area and loads of toys for all ages, so you can really take your time finding the perfect gift.

🪀 DHS Toys – Support a Local Hero

Hidden away in The Pavilions, DHS Toys is a little gem that’s well worth a visit. They specialise in all sorts of collectibles, (we’re talking Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Dragonball Z) and they also stock all sorts of educational toys and gear for little ones. They also do party balloons and all sorts of other fun stuff. By shopping at DHS, you’re supporting a local business that really cares about kids.

🎨 New Kids on the Block – Kenji & Miniso

Uxbridge has recently welcomed a few new kids on the block that are just perfect for stocking fillers and a bit of quirky fun:

• Kenji – full of bright colours and loads of super fun toys & gifts that kids just can’t get enough of. Heavily Japan-inspired, why not pick up a sushi-cat plush?
• Miniso – loads of affordable gifts and cute toys, collectibles, and all sorts of novelty bits & bobs

Not traditional toy shops as such, but perfect if you want something a bit off the beaten track.

🛍️ The Hidden Gem Toy Areas

You might not even know this, but you can also find loads of toys in some of the other shops in Uxbridge – Argos, The Works and even TK Maxx all stock a cracking range of toys and games, and often at bargain prices, to boot. Great for a last-minute dash or for finding a bargain or two.

Welcome to Uxbridge’s Winter Wonderland of Toys

If you step into Uxbridge, you’ll find that it’s a veritable wonderland of all things toys. It’s home to loads of the UK’s biggest independent toy retailers, including DHS Toys and Toy Town, so you know you’ll be in for a treat. From Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh to LEGO, Barbie and all sorts of educational fun, Uxbridge shops have got everything you could possibly need – and lots more besides. Many of the shops also do online shopping, so you can browse from the comfort of your own home or in-store.

Plan a visit to Uxbridge and get ready to discover a world of toys, games and collectibles – perfect for making some magical Christmas memories.

So, which toy shop in Uxbridge is your favourite? Have we missed some hidden gem? Let us know, and happy christmas shopping! 🎄✨

The post The Best Toy Shops in Uxbridge – Just in time for Christmas 🎄 appeared first on My Uxbridge.

A few weeks ago, I found out that Bella Italia was closing its Uxbridge restaurant. That news came hot on the heels of Pizza Hut shutting its doors too — leaving some locals wondering if we were witnessing the end of the pizza era in Uxbridge.

But fear not, pizza lovers! Just as we thought our doughy days were over, a familiar favourite is making a comeback. Pizza Express is officially returning to Uxbridge after a few years away — a true phoenix rising from the culinary ashes (much like the triumphant return of Waterstones, which I wrote about not too long ago).

This time around, Pizza Express won’t be reopening in its old spot. Instead, it’s moving into the former Bella Italia location, right next to Wagamama and just down from Nando’s. That little stretch of the high street is fast becoming Uxbridge’s unofficial restaurant row — the perfect place for a pre-cinema meal, a weekend lunch, or an impromptu dinner out.

It’s always great to see new life come to the town centre, especially when it’s a familiar name we’ve missed. I, for one, look forward to welcoming Pizza Express back soon — and yes, I’ll definitely be celebrating with a tasty trip (and probably a Padana pizza or two).

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like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Waterstones has returned to Uxbridge

At the time, I remember thinking: how can a refurbishment take that long? With new buildings springing up in a few short months, it seemed an eternity to wait for a bookshop to reopen. I wondered whether Intu (as it was then called) might follow its Debenhams downsizing strategy — cutting the standard for the restaurant, or perhaps yet another in-store Costa. Some feared that Uxbridge would lose its last major bookshop.

During those months of closure, the independent Barnard’s Bookshop in Windsor Street quietly carried the torch for local readers. Many residents, unaware of its presence, rediscovered the charm of an independent bookseller while Waterstones’ future hung in the balance.

Then the pandemic struck, and any hopes for a swift reopening faded. For years, the site remained empty — a sad reminder of the changing face of the high street.

But now, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Waterstones has returned to Uxbridge. After more than five years, the doors have finally reopened. The new store occupies a single, spacious floor, filled once again with the shelves of beautiful books that readers have missed.

For long-time customers and book lovers in Uxbridge, this reopening marks more than just the return of a retailer — it’s the revival of a cultural cornerstone. If you’ve been lamenting the loss of Waterstones, now is the perfect time to show your support, explore the new layout, and celebrate the welcome return of books to the heart of Uxbridge.

Waterstones Uxbridge

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The new store promises to bring the “best for less” shopping experience that TK Maxx is known for, with an ever-changing selection of clothing, accessories, beauty products, and homeware. Whether customers are looking for high-end fashion bargains, stylish home décor, or everyday essentials, the store provides a treasure hunt-style shopping experience where new finds are available every visit.

A Much-Needed Boost for The Chimes?

Since the closure of Debenhams in Uxbridge, The Chimes has been in need of a major retailer to help draw shoppers back to the area. Once a key shopping destination, the loss of Debenhams left a noticeable gap in the centre, impacting footfall for surrounding stores and eateries.

Could TK Maxx be the answer? The store’s reputation for offering big brands at affordable prices could make it a strong contender to revitalise The Chimes. With a loyal customer base and a constantly changing range of products, TK Maxx has the potential to attract both bargain hunters and fashion-conscious shoppers, giving the centre a much-needed boost.

While it may not fully replace the department store experience that Debenhams offered, TK Maxx brings a different kind of retail appeal—one that thrives on variety, affordability, and the thrill of finding a great deal.

Visit the New TK Maxx in Uxbridge

📍 Location: TK Maxx, The Chimes, Uxbridge
🛍️ Why Visit? Big-brand discounts, designer steals, and a variety of home essentials

Local shoppers are encouraged to visit the new store and explore the latest collections. With fresh stock arriving regularly, there’s always something new to discover.

Is TK Maxx enough to bring The Chimes back to life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more updates on local openings and events, stay tuned to our community news section.

The post TK Maxx Opens Brand-New Store at The Chimes in Uxbridge appeared first on My Uxbridge.

The Uxbridge location marks Søstrene Grene’s sixth store in Greater London, joining branches in Tottenham Court Road, King’s Cross, Wandsworth, Richmond, and Kingston-upon-Thames. This expansion aligns with the company’s ambitious goal to establish 100 UK stores by 2030 and 500 globally by 2027.

Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene expressed enthusiasm about the new opening: “We are delighted to bring Søstrene Grene to The Chimes in Uxbridge, a vibrant shopping destination with a fantastic selection of retailers. This new store will offer our signature Scandinavian style and ‘hygge’ experience, and we can’t wait to introduce our unique products to the local community.”

The store’s opening is timely for the holiday season, featuring a variety of Christmas decorations and gift ideas. Customers can explore a wide range of items, from dishes and teas to an extensive selection of wool, art supplies, and craft materials, catering to both everyday needs and festive preparations.

Søstrene Grene’s unique shopping concept, ‘Retail for the Senses,’ provides a distinctive sensory experience with its iconic wooden crate displays, labyrinth-style layout, serene lighting, and classical background music, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for shoppers.

The Chimes shopping centre continues to enhance its retail offerings, with Søstrene Grene’s arrival complementing recent additions like Hollywood Bowl and TK Maxx, as well as the refurbishment of the nine-screen Odeon cinema into a state-of-the-art Odeon Luxe.

For those seeking unique, affordable, and stylish homewares and gifts this Christmas season, a visit to Søstrene Grene’s new Uxbridge store is highly recommended.

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As we look forward to the coming year, it’s with great enthusiasm that we share some thrilling developments at The Chimes shopping centre. In a significant transformation, the former Debenhams space, sprawling over 75,000 square feet, is set to welcome two major brands, Hollywood Bowl and TK Maxx, marking a new era of retail and entertainment experiences for our visitors.

Welcoming Hollywood Bowl 🎳

Hollywood Bowl, the much-loved entertainment venue known for its vibrant bowling alleys and family-friendly atmosphere, is set to take over the entire upper floor of the redevelopment. Slated for completion towards the end of 2024, this new addition promises to be a hub of excitement and fun, offering the perfect destination for outings with friends and family, team-building events, and celebrations of all kinds.

TK Maxx, Uxbridge is Relocating 🛍️

On the lower mall, TK Maxx, the popular retailer renowned for offering big brands at small prices, will establish a spacious 25,000-square-foot store. This move from their current location at The Pavilions will provide shoppers with an even more extensive selection of fashion, homeware, and beauty products at unbeatable prices. The relocation underscores TK Maxx’s commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for their loyal customers.

Odeon Overhauled 🍿

But that’s not all! In addition to these new arrivals, The Chimes is also set to see further enhancements. The Odeon Cinema, an entertainment staple at The Chimes, is undergoing a significant refurbishment [long overdue in my book!]. It will be transformed into an Odeon Luxe cinema, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and offering movie-goers the ultimate in cinematic luxury. With plush reclining seats, superior sound and picture quality, and an upgraded concessions menu, the Odeon Luxe is poised to redefine the movie-watching experience.

Odeon will tackle the refurbishment in stages to keep the cinema open during the renovation, starting soon and completing in October 2024.

River Island Relocates 🏝️

Fashion enthusiasts also have something to look forward to, as River Island is expanding its presence at The Chimes, Uxbridge. The popular fashion retailer is upsizing to a new two-storey space, promising a more extensive range of stylish, affordable fashion offerings.

With these transformative developments, 2024 is shaping to be an incredibly exciting year for The Chimes. We are committed to creating a vibrant, dynamic space that caters to our community’s diverse needs and preferences. Whether you’re searching for the latest fashion trends, looking for a fun day out with the family, or planning a cosy movie night, The Chimes, Uxbridge is your go-to destination. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance your shopping and entertainment experience!

FAQ

Where is the bowling alley, Uxbridge?

Well, it’s not there yet, but it will be opening in the space of the former Debenhams store under the Odeon.

Will there be a nine-hole mini-golf?

Yes! The Hollywood Bowl website states:

Our Hollywood Bowl Uxbridge centre will also have a 9 course mini golf course, bringing you even more fun and friendly competition!

https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/uxbridge/mini-golf

Make sure you sign up to their VIP mailing list for the latest news and exclusive discounts if that would interest you:)

Will there be arcade games?

The Hollywood bowl, Uxbridge website states there will be a “thrilling amusements area” that is most likely to include arcade games and amusements.

How many bowling lanes will there be?

There will be 22 lanes to bowl along, and as if that wasn’t enough, there will also be a 9 hole mini golf course.

Where will it be?

Where the old Debenhams store was, at the Odeon end of the Chimes shopping centre.

The post Exciting News as Hollywood Bowl and TK Maxx are coming to The Chimes, Uxbridge! 🎳 🛍️ appeared first on My Uxbridge.