Fresh off the triumphant return of Pizza Express, another familiar name has stepped back into the spotlight: Taco Bell. That’s right—crunchy tacos, quesadillas, and late-night cravings are officially back in UB8.

It’s the latest in what’s becoming a surprisingly impressive line-up of fast-casual heavy hitters choosing Uxbridge as their comeback or expansion stage. Recently, we’ve welcomed Chipotle, Popeyes, Wingstop, and Wendy’s—a roster that would make even central London glance over with mild jealousy. Bit by bit, these openings are raising the high street’s culinary reputation, proving that Uxbridge really can offer more than just the usual chains we’ve all quietly settled for over the years.

Some might even say there’s now something for everyone. …Alright, maybe not everyone, but we’re getting close.

At the very least, it’s starting to feel like Uxbridge is becoming a place to eat again, not just to pass through on the way to somewhere tastier. A regenerating high street—yes, mostly driven by food—may not be the economic revival politicians brag about, but honestly? We’ll take it. A full stomach is better than nothing.

And while we’re celebrating what’s new, let’s also put something out into the universe: if Slim Chickens is listening, please take note. We love your fried onions, and we would happily adopt you into our rapidly growing family of “better-than-average” fast food. Let’s make it happen.

Until then, Taco Bell’s return as a fast food restaurant is a small but satisfying victory. Uxbridge is on the up—and lunch just got a whole lot more exciting. The grand opening of this fast food restaurant has brought a new wave of excitement and anticipation to Uxbridge.

Taco Bell Restaurant Details: Where, When, and What’s New

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to spice up your lunch break, this is it: Taco B is officially setting up shop right in the heart of Uxbridge’s high street, tucked inside The Chimes shopping centre. That’s right—no more wistful glances at London’s late-night taco runs or scrolling through food envy on your feed. Now, you can join the crowds and get your fix of Crunchwrap Supremes, Volcano Burritos, and all the other Tex-Mex treasures you’ve been missing.

But this isn’t just any TB. The Uxbridge outpost is rolling out a fully Halal-certified menu, plus a generous helping of vegetarian options—so whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or a plant-based pro, there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into. It’s a fresh view on fast food, and a welcome change from the usual suspects lining the street.

So, mark your calendars and bring your appetite. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just taco-curious, you won’t want to miss the chance to join the Uxbridge crowd in welcoming Taco Bell back to town. Trust us: this is one comeback you’ll actually want to remember.

Community Reaction: Are We Really Excited, or Just Hungry?

If you’ve walked down the high street lately, you’ve probably caught wind of the chatter: Taco Bell’s return to Uxbridge is the talk of the town. For some, it’s a long-awaited chance to join friends for a late-night taco run without the trek into London. For others, it’s a cautious curiosity—will this new arrival add flavour to our local scene, or will we miss the quirky charm of what came before?

The view from the community is as varied as the Taco Bell menu itself. There’s genuine excitement from those who can’t wait to get their hands on a Crunchwrap Supreme, and a few raised eyebrows from locals who wonder if another big name means we’re losing a bit of Uxbridge’s unique character. Still, even the sceptics admit: it’s hard to resist the pull of something new (and delicious) in town.

As one resident put it, “I might miss the old spots, but I’m definitely not missing out on trying Taco Bell.” Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the novelty, it seems everyone is ready to join in and see what this latest addition brings to the table. One thing’s for sure—the view of Uxbridge’s food scene is changing, and Taco Bell is right at the centre of it.

The post Taco Bell Uxbridge Returns—And Yes, We’re All Pretending We Don’t Remember the Last Time appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Festive Finds at Sostrene Grene

One of the most anticipated arrivals is Sostrene Grene, a Danish homeware and lifestyle store renowned for its charming and affordable products. Located at the entrance of The Chimes (where Waterstones used to be), the store is filled with fabulous Christmas decorations and gift ideas. From handcrafted ornaments to unique stocking fillers, Sostrene Grene offers a treasure trove of festive delights that are sure to inspire your holiday spirit. Read more about the Søstrene Grene Uxbridge opening.

Indulgence Awaits at Hotel Chocolat

Just opposite, chocolate enthusiasts can rejoice with the opening of Hotel Chocolat. This luxury chocolatier brings a touch of decadence to Uxbridge, offering an array of exquisite chocolates and cocoa-inspired treats. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or a personal indulgence, Hotel Chocolat’s selection of hampers, boxed chocolates, and seasonal specials are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Wilko Reopens in The Pavilions

In more good news, Wilko has reopened its doors in The Pavilions shopping centre. The beloved home and garden retailer returns with a fresh look and the same great value products that have made it a household name. From home essentials to festive decorations, Wilko provides a one-stop shop for all your holiday needs.

Relax in Style at the Upgraded Odeon

After a day of shopping, why not unwind at the newly refurbished Odeon cinema? Featuring upgraded recliners, you can literally put your feet up and enjoy a luxurious viewing experience. With the latest blockbusters on show, it’s the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the season.

A Culinary Journey Awaits

Uxbridge’s vibrant culinary scene continues to thrive, boasting a diverse range of restaurants that cater to all tastes:

• Wendy’s: Enjoy classic American favourites, from juicy burgers to frosty desserts.
• Nando’s: Savour the famous peri-peri chicken dishes that have become a global sensation.
• Wagamama: Dive into delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine, including ramen, teppanyaki, and fresh salads.
• Chipotle: Experience flavorful Mexican fare with customisable burritos, bowls, and tacos.

With such a variety, there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a family meal.

A Shopping Destination Not to Be Missed

These exciting new additions complement the already great selection of shops across Uxbridge. From high-street favourites to independent boutiques, the town offers a vibrant shopping experience that’s perfect for ticking off your Christmas list.

Plan Your Visit

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore all that Uxbridge has to offer. Whether you’re hunting for the ideal gift, updating your holiday decor, or simply enjoying a day out, the town’s latest offerings ensure a memorable experience for all.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun—head to Uxbridge and make this holiday season one to remember!

Did we miss any shops you are excited about? Drop a comment to let us know

The post Uxbridge Welcomes a Wave of New Shops Just in Time for the Festive Season appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Southlands Arts Centre Hosts LitOct 2024, A Celebration of Literature, Creativity, and Community

Full list of events below (Click here to scroll down)

Southlands Arts Centre is proud to announce LitOct 2024, its literary celebration taking place throughout October. LitOct offers a diverse program of events for book lovers, aspiring writers, and the local community, blending literary talks, workshops, creative competitions, and community-focused gatherings.

This year’s festival will launch on 5 October with the Apple Pie Supper, a festive evening featuring the announcement of the Creative Writing Competition winners, readings of the winning entries, and a local apple pie baking competition. Acclaimed local author Denise Beddows will present the prizes.

LitOct 2024 Highlights:

Apple Pie Supper (5 October): This is a launch event with readings, awards, and an apple pie competition.

– Barbara Fisher: The Ups and Downs of Column Writing (8 October): A Literary event with the columnist reflecting on her career.

– N+7 Workshop (9 October): A unique experimental writing workshop led by Jayne Towndrow.

– The Art of Spying (12 October): Denise Beddows explores how art has been linked to espionage throughout history.

– Literature and Mental Health (16 October): A thought-provoking talk by Hillingdon MIND, focusing on how literature supports mental well-being.

– Journalling for Emotional Health (16 October): Jaspreet Kaur teaches how journaling can be a powerful tool for emotional resilience.

– Children’s and Family Events: Including storytime reading The Velveteen Rabbit (23 October) and the Squishy Starfish Puppet Show (25 October).

LitOct 2024 will also host a curated art exhibition throughout the month, showcasing the works of local artists inspired by literature.

Festival Pass: LitOct offers an incredible £35 event pass, which grants access to all events (excluding the Literary Lunch, Palooza pumpkin reservation, and sold-out events) and includes a LitOct goody bag.

The festival culminates on 27 October with Cliffhanger, a surprise community event designed to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Quote from Southlands Arts Centre:

“LitOct 2024 is a celebration of both local and national literary talent. From workshops and readings to family events, we’ve designed the festival to engage the entire community and spark creativity in every corner,” says the Southlands team.

Join us at Southlands Arts Centre this October for a vibrant and immersive celebration of words, creativity, and community.

For more information, event tickets, and competition entry forms, visit southlandsarts.co.uk/litoct/

Contact:

Southlands Arts Centre  

75, The Green

West Drayton

Middlesex

UB7 7PW

www.southlandsarts.co.uk

Full LitOct 2024 Events List

Apple Pie Supper – Saturday, 5th October 2024, the winners of the Southlands writing competition are announced. Plus, you can treat yourself to a slice of apple pie or enter the pie-making competition.

Poetry for Calm Workshops with Jaspreet Kaur – Monday, 7th October 2024 – Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting, spark your imagination and hone your craft with these poetry workshops.

The Ups and Downs of Column Writing – Tuesday, 8th October 2024 – In this engaging, informal chat, Barbara will, for the first time, talk about her life as a weekly column writer.

N+7 Workshop – Wednesday, 9th October 2024 – a short experimental writing workshop based on the N+7 technique first practised in the 1960s by the Oulipo movement.

Haibun with Diana Webb – Thursday, 10th October 2024—Author Diana Webb joins us to discuss Haibun, a prosimetric literary form originating in Japan that combines prose and haiku.

There is help. There is hope. We can recover. Chris Buckland Reads His Poetry – Thursday 10th October – Join us at Southlands to hear Chris Buckland share readings of his works and story.

Get Lost in Story – for grown-ups – Friday 11th October – This is story time for grown-ups. Two stories written by Jayne Towndrow are read by Jane Heptonstall.

The Art of Spying – Saturday, 12th October—Denise Beddows returns to Southlands by popular demand. Her talk, The Art of Spying, reflects on the uses of art and design in espionage.

The Publishing Pathway of Pernille Hughes – Sunday, 13th October – The Publishing Pathway of Pernille Hughes. Join us at Southlands to hear about author Pernille Hughes’s journey from writing to publication.

Poetry for Calm Workshops with Jaspreet Kaur – Monday, 14th October – Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting, these workshops are designed to spark your imagination and hone your craft.

Get Lost in Story Again – Monday, 14th October – This is story time for grown-ups. A selection of short stories and poetry. Relax with a drink, sit back, listen and enjoy.

From Me to You – Talk and Workshop – Tuesday 15th October – From Me to You is a charity founded by Alison Hitchcock and Brian Greenley. Join us at Southlands to hear their story.

Afterlife Visitations and Conversations With Carole Bromley – Tuesday 15th October – Carole comes to Southlands to talk about her book, Visitations & Conversations. She’ll tell us a little about her world and then treat us to a reading before a short question-and-answer session.

Literature for Mental Health – Wednesday 16th October – Sulebha Walsh and Gordon Milne come to Southlands to discuss the connections between literature and mental health and how engaging with literature and creative writing can improve well-being.

Journalling With Jaspreet Kaur – Wednesday 16th October – The ease of journalling is its adaptability; it’s a practice that can be uniquely yours and will fit your personality and goals.

Helen Joyce – Three Years on – Thursday 17th October – Helen Joyce is an author, journalist, editor and feminist campaigner. She teaches writing and offers media training and executive coaching.

Q&A with Elizabeth Drummond – Romance Writer – Friday 18th October – Romance author, Elizabeth Drummond in conversation with Jayne Towndrow. It was in New York she learned she was nothing like Carrie Bradshaw.

Kids public speaking presentations – Saturday 19th October – Kids public speaking presentations at Southlands with a friendly audience.

Piano, Poetry and Prose – Saturday 19th October – Join us for a wonderful evening of Piano, Poetry and Prose written and read by some of Southlands most talented.

In Praise of Mediocrity – A Talk by Lorraine Forrest-Turner – Sunday 20th October – Lorraine Forrest-Turner explores how being a perfectionist can actually be detrimental to any writer’s work and even to their well-being.

Seven Sonnets from Shakespeare on Sunday – Sunday 20th October – Calling all Shakespeare fans. Readings of seven sonnets from the bard and a glass of wine or soft drink are included in the ticket price.

Researching the Fry Sisters with Adrienne Chinn – Monday 21st October – Adrienne Chinn will be at Southlands to give a reading from one of her novels and to talk about the research involved in writing her book.

W is for Watermelon – Tuesday 22nd October – Join children’s writer Sharon Finch for an interactive, colourful, creative writing explosion. Sharon Finch is a writer, librarian and artist.

The Cafe on Manor Lane by Amelia Kyazze – Tuesday 22nd October – After delighting the audience with a reading, Amelia will tell us about the inspiration behind her book and writing.

How to choose whether to self-publish or pursue a publisher – With Asisat Lamina – Wednesday 23rd October – Asisat Lamina, published author of The DNA of a Christian Soul, talks about the different routes to publishing.

Storytime for all ages – The Velveteen Rabbit – Wednesday 23rd October – Southlands brings traditional story time to children. Turn off the screens and bring the kids to hear this classic story.

Well Behaved Women With Caroline Lamond – Thursday, 24th October – Caroline Lamond comes to Southlands to talk about her books, the women that inspired them, and getting an agent and a publishing deal.

Building and Maintaining the Confidence to Write With Tammy Rolfe – Friday, 25th October—If you are struggling to overcome fear, procrastinate, and find that much-needed confidence, then this workshop will help.

How To Be Brave – Kids puppet show – Friday, 25th October – Squishy Starfish productions present How to be Brave. Shara and friends, Honker, Dinkle and Alfie explore what it is to be brave.

Bron and Sam – Saturday 26th October – Bron James – author of urban fantasy, science fiction and magical realism, best known as the creator of the Sam Hain series.

The post Southlands LitOct: Hillingdon’s answer to Hay Literary Festival? appeared first on My Uxbridge.

But everything takes time for a very small team with not much funding. So… what should we work on first? What would you like to see on this site? How can we make it work for you? Feel free to add a comment below, or send an email. We would love your feedback.

It will allow us to prioritise great content that you want to see, and push back the content you don’t. Any great ideas that we haven’t mentioned above are also welcome. You will earn eternal gratitude (and a mention if you like).

Thank you all

Luke @ MyUxbridge

The post Making MyUxbridge work for you appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Until recently, I had no idea this was even a possibility. But it turns out that Hillingdon is part of Trees for Streets – the national street tree sponsorship scheme.

This means if you would like to bring a little more green to your street, this could be the perfect way to do it.

Looking at the Trees for Streets website, there are three options. Firstly you choose if you want the tree outside your house or in a park, and then you choose if you will water the tree or pay a little more to have that covered by Hillingdon. Watering the tree is only an option when it’s outside your home.

But how great would that be? A tree outside your house that you can water as a family and watch as it grows. All while adding some greenery and nature to your street. This is absolutely something that deserves to be publicised.

Sponsor a tree

As part of the national Trees for Streets campaign scheme, Hillingdon council are inviting their residents to sponsor the planting of a tree in Hillingdon. The website allows you to specify where you want the tree planted and will confirm if it’s possible or offers an alternative.

The benefits of trees are vast, as they are known to reduce air pollution, absorb carbon dioxide, give birds and insects a home, and improve mental and physical well-being.

And at this time of year, it might be the perfect gift for someone that has everything or doesn’t need anything. Or maybe sponsoring a tree would be the perfect gift.

Not just that, but at the moment, your gift will keep on giving as The Mayor of London has partnered with Trees for Streets so that for every tree you sponsor, they will plant another tree in a priority location in the borough. So you are sponsoring two trees for the price of one. This only runs until 31/3/23, so make sure you sponsor a tree in Hillingdon before then.

How much does it cost to sponsor a tree in Hillingdon?

Sponsor a tree outside your home

If you make a £230 sponsorship donation, you must water the tree.

Alternatively, make a £320 sponsorship donation, and Hillingdon Council will water the tree.

Donation payments are only taken once your sponsorship is confirmed.

Sponsor a tree in a Hillingdon Park

The sponsorship donation is £320  as Hillingdon Council waters the tree.

For a £320 donation, Hillingdon Council will plant and maintain a tree in one of the parks across the borough. It’s a great way to celebrate the life of a loved one, mark the birth of a child, or commemorate any significant life event. Or just because you love Hillingdon and would like to help plant more trees here.

Trees for Streets website

How does it work?

Step 1. Location

You choose the location (subject to survey).

A tree will be expertly selected to suit your chosen location.

You can take on the job of watering the tree – (this is entirely up to you).

What’s included?

Your sponsorship includes a 5-7-year-old “instant impact” tree, standing between 3-4 metres high, with tree stakes and a wire mesh tree guard; it will usually also have a watering bag and irrigation tube.

The exact specification may change depending on availability and practical considerations.

Your sponsorship request will be confirmed within 12 weeks.

The Council will plant your tree next winter (22/23 – we’ll let you know when it’s happening).

You’ll be sent watering reminders throughout the summer months.

Let’s go

For more information or to sponsor a tree, go to the Trees for Streets website. (https://sponsor.treesforstreets.org/provider/hillingdon-borough)

Find out more from the Hillingdon website.

(https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/sponsor-a-tree)

The post Sponsor a tree outside your home in Hillingdon appeared first on My Uxbridge.

How many do we need?
As of July, Uxbridge town centre now has no less than four costa coffee shops, All within walking distance of each other and there has come a point we have to ask, how many do we actually need?

Once Starbucks was the butt of many jokes about the quantity of coffee shops that had been popping up. Comedy shows such as The Simpsons and South park commented on the fact that every day another Starbucks had shown up in small towns until there wasn’t a street that didn’t have one. In recent years, though, Starbucks has begun to fall out of favour and especially in England there has been a surge in the number of Costa coffee shops, as Starbucks dwindles.

What has caused us to fall in love with Costa anyway?

Well, when I first tried Costa (in the second of the four Uxbridge locations), over my usual Starbucks, I realised I could get a ‘Massimo’ (large) sized drink for a little less than a ‘Grande’ (medium) drink in Starbucks, so they won me over with their slightly cheaper, over-priced drinks.

The other factor besides price is probably personal preference. A few years ago Starbucks opted to start making their standard drinks with semi-skimmed milk as opposed to whole milk as they had done before so that you now had to ask for ‘skinny’ lattes for skimmed milk or ‘whole’ lattes for whole milk. It might seem like a small difference, but I rarely ask for “modified” drinks, just opting for a latte. So in Starbucks, I get a slightly stronger tasting semi-skimmed beverage and in Costa, I get a creamier whole-milk coffee. In fact Costa only stock full-fat or skimmed milk and don’t use semi-skimmed at all. This might not seem like much, but for those that get a creamier coffee in Costa than Starbucks and don’t know why, this may lead to favouritism.

The main reason I started to frequent Costa slightly more was due to the fact a Costa moved into Stockley Park and I could walk there for my daily cup o’ joe while also getting some exercise.

So apparently location can make a big impact on whether you go to a Costa or Starbucks and apparently Costa are now beating Starbucks at their own game.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, it is seen as British compared to the tax-dodging Starbucks.

History of Costa

Wikipedia tells me that Costa Coffee is a British multinational coffeehouse company and is headquartered in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Founded in 1971 in London by brothers Bruno and Sergio Costa, it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Whitbread, acquired by them in 1995. Costa is the second largest coffeehouse chain in the world behind Starbucks and the largest in Britain with a revenue just over 1.1 Billion last year.

Under Whitbread’s ownership, it has since grown to over 3,277 stores across 31 countries. Thre are 2,000 UK restaurants alone, over 5,200 Costa Express vending facilities and a further 1,200 outlets overseas.

Whitbread own many household name brands, such as Premier Inn, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Whitbread Inns and Taybarns.

Where are these Costas in Uxbridge?

There are four Costas in the Uxbridge town centre, two are near the entrance to Uxbridge train station and two are at the other end of the Intu shopping centre. In perspective, there is only one Starbucks (though they have an inside and outside section, both are run by the same staff), one Nero, one Pret, one KFC and two McDonalds. So Costa definitely has the lead in terms of shops.

Costa number 1. “Uxbridge.”

The original Costa coffee in Uxbridge was situated to the right of the Uxbridge train station entrance, obviously chosen as a prime spot to get those commuters on their way into London every day. The downside for me personally was the lack of space and soft seating due to its size. It was slightly claustrophobic, and I rarely visited.

When Uxbridge was redeveloped, and the Chimes shopping centre was built (now rebranded as Intu Uxbridge), Starbucks arrived. This was really the first coffee shop I started to go to regularly to meet friends and family for coffee and a chat. It was bigger, more open, they had big comfortable seats, sofas, and armchairs, and they won me over. As many of the coffee shops are franchises, it wasn’t long before someone realised Uxbridge was going up the world and with the success of Starbucks, they knew people didn’t just want coffee for their daily commute, but during a shop or for their lunch break. So when a clothing shop struggled, and prime premises at the entrance of The Mall (originally the pavillions) was left empty, Costa snapped it up. This leads us onto…

Costa Number 2. Uxbridge “The Mall”

Situated at the entrance of The Mall shopping centre, previously The Pavillions, the second Costa in Uxbridge is visible from the first. When it arrived, almost everyone exclaimed, “another costa?” in slightly bewildered amazement. The new premises were much bigger, with Costa obviously directly competing with Starbucks’ bigger, laid-back store. The new Costa was over 2 levels and with much more seating, including soft armchairs and sofas. There was a point at which I assumed the first might well close down and merge with the new larger one, but they both still exist in harmony to this day, so apparently not.
For a while, all was calm and still in the world. The one ring laid dormant at the bottom of the river Fray.

Costa Number 3. “Odeon & UCI Cinemas Ltd”

The third Costa arrived when the Uxbridge Odeon cinema had a facelift and decided to add some concessions to the large foyer area that had previously been taken up by a box office. They added a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream counter and their very own Costa coffee. This is some way, made more sense than the second Costa as it was at the other end of the Intu shopping centre and would catch the cinema-goers that wouldn’t venture any further than the car park and the cinema foyer. I did benefit from this, as it was open until 9.30 pm and was a good place to meet and chat when all the other places had closed. So now, after we all believed that we had reached max capacity, with coffee shops spanning the entire length of the Intu shopping centre, we were a little surprised when we saw a coming soon sign for yet another Costa. At first, I was in a state of shock and denial. Who on earth would want yet another Costa?! I assumed it was an old sign I’d never seen before, for an already existent one, or possibly a sick joke on the caffeine-addicted – of which I am one. But no, it was, of course, real.

*Update 2021* Costa Number 4. “Costa @ Debenhams”

*Unfortunately, we must mourn the loss of a fallen Costa, as the Costa in Debenhams was lost along with the closure of Debenhams itself*

The latest addition to the ever-expanding costa family in Uxbridge is essentially a shop within Debenhams. Possibly a way to stave off the same cruel fate as BHS in an ever-more online world, they can make extra money from subletting their large retail space. But this is about 30 metres away, vertically, from the Costa in the Odeon. It now makes these two closer than the original two, and I am beginning to wonder how many is too many. I mean, for me, we are there. But as absurd as I see this being, for someone, this is perfectly acceptable.

With the obvious economic downturn, there are already quite a few unused stores in the shopping centre, including the recently closed-down GAP. So there is plenty more room to add some Costas that you can stop at on your long walk between Costas.

How many are too many?

This is a serious question because, for me, we have reached that point. The Uxbridge shopping centre is becoming predominantly food outlets. This is by no means a Uxbridge-specific problem, but a shopping habit shift to online has left shops unable to compete. Soon we will have a Costa and Starbucks between each fast food joint and the traditional restaurants. There will be hairdressers as there are now, but little need for anything else. The try-before-you-buy shops can only last so long if we try but buy online. So I guess four Costas is just about the right amount right now. Right?

*Update 2016* The Next (Fifth) Costa is Coming…

I’m not kidding… I was walking through Intu Uxbridge a few weeks ago and could believe my eyes when I saw a big black facade where The Gap once stood. Hmm, something must be going in there, I thought to myself… I go in for a closer look, and it turns out that Next will be moving or expanding into the shop. They are currently right next door, so it won’t take much.

But on the dark wall covering the glass, there are a few logos to get you hyped for the impending Next-goodness. We have the usual suspects, including women’s, men’s, children’s and home. But it also features Lipsy London, and guess what? Costa. Yes, between the two Costa’s at each end of the Intu shopping centre… is a fricken Costa. Photographic evidence…

The post Costa Coffee Takeover Uxbridge with Fourth Store [Update] appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Having lived in the area for quite some time, I always find it interesting to discover the history that is right under our noses, that we often take for granted/ignore.

If you like history and want to know more about local history, then this might be the event for you.

Below is an excerpt is taken from an email that gives you a little more information about the upcoming event.

The post History & Heritage of Uxbridge Festival 2021 appeared first on My Uxbridge.

You can tell everyone is taking it seriously, with mask-vending-machines, one way systems and more hand sanitiser stations than I had seen in my life up until 2020. There are a few things to note though, especially if you have any difficulty walking. For instance, Primark, M&S, and other shops with more than one entrance/exit, maybe using a one-way system. So with M&S and Primark, you enter from the street side, and exit on the inside of the pavilions. It’s just something to be aware of so you don’t have to walk all the way around, and then all the way back.

Please stay safe, and enjoy the Christmas period. It has been a hard year for everyone, including businesses big and small. So make sure to do a little shopping in Uxbridge in the run-up to Christmas.

The post Christmas Lights are on in Uxbridge appeared first on My Uxbridge.

New one-way arrows on the floor, vending machines that dispense face masks and other PPE, clear plastic screens on tills, and face masks on faces.

Welcome to the new normal.

All of this is, relatively fine. We all mostly want to protect each other, and I can’t complain about the few hours of face mask I have to endure while shopping when thinking about every NHS worker on their 12+ hour shifts. Even in my work, I have to wear a mask for longer than when I’m shopping.

My more immediate concern is the fact that before lockdown, Debenhams was struggling, all cinemas were, restaurants such as Chiquito and Franky & Benny’s were, small businesses are, large businesses are, even Intu has gone into administration.

And now we are going into a second lockdown.

Im concerned that the Odeon won’t reopen, or Waterstones. Because really, who was doing so well before the lockdown that they can weather this storm?

My concern is that no-one is 100% safe from the inevitable tide of COVID.

Hopefully, this will only last a month. As promised by the PM. My hope, only slightly tarnished by the Prime Minister’s track record for the occasional lie.

What now?

Well, dear reader, we will remain strong, and keep that famous stiff-upper-lip that we are so proud of. We will carry on in the hopes that all our friends and family make it though. We will try hard to support those in need, and not take our our aggression on those that are simply doing their job. We will carry on as we always do, and we will help put everything back together afterwards.

The post Covid-19 & The “New Normal” in Uxbridge appeared first on My Uxbridge.

Well, for now, not much. Its centres will stay open under administrators KPMG. And really, it shouldn’t have too big an impact initially, as KPMG will likely be looking for a buyer to take over.

What about Intu Giftcards?

A spokesperson for EML Payments Europe Limited said: “Intu gift cards are issued by EML Payments Europe Limited (EML), who are the parent company of Flex-e-Card Limited, the UK-based provider of gift card services to Intu – you will see Flex-e-Card’s name on the reverse of Intu gift cards.

“All funds associated with these cards are held in a designated client account under the control of EML only. EML settles with Mastercard daily for all transactions that occur on these gift cards. 

“This process is entirely independent of Intu and will continue to happen regardless of ownership or control of Intu. EML’s obligation is to its cardholders as per the terms and conditions of its cards, and to Mastercard as per its membership agreement.”

That’s all pretty good new, but it might be a good idea to start spending them, as you don’t know if your favourite shops will stick around once this whole thing pans out. Right?

More Info

On 26 June 2020, Jim Tucker, David Pike and Mike Pink were appointed Joint Administrators of Intu Properties Plc and seven other central group companies.  The names of these companies are set out below (“the Administration Companies”). 

Administrators have not been appointed over any of the property companies that own the shopping centres which are continuing to trade as normal with support of the Administration Companies which intend to continue to provide services to these shopping centres. 

Further enquiries may be addressed at https://www.insolvency-kpmg.co.uk/case+KPMG+IK624F1201.html. 

The administration companies are:
Intu Properties plc, Intu Shopping Centres plc, Intu Management Services Limited, Intu Retail Services Limited, Intu RS Limited, Intu Energy Limited, Liberty International Holdings Limited, Liberty International Group Treasury Limited 

More info: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53195980

Where are the Intu Shopping Centres?

intu Braehead

intu Broadmarsh

intu Chapelfield

intu Derby

intu Eldon Square

intu Lakeside

intu Merry Hill

intu Metrocentre

intu Milton Keynes

intu Potteries

intu Trafford Centre

intu Uxbridge

intu Victoria Centre

intu Watford

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