The Bentall Centre

Lovely centre in the lovely Kingston. The centre has a good variety of shop and is very vibrant. The quality of goods and customer service is very good. Yes there is bigger but this centre has everything I need and want!
Will definitely visit again and again!

Although Bentall Centre is a standard glass and steel architecture shopping center circa 1980 and prevalent in major (and minor) cities globally, and the shops are the typical high street variety for the most part, the exceptional crown jewel is the mall’s Department Store namesake: Bentalls, which is a major department store anchor, and the flagship store of the two outlets in the Bentalls chain (the other being Fenwick). The merchandise is varied and unique, especially for this visiting Yankee. Almost no merchandise in stock was identical to a comparable shop in the USA. As Bentalls is not one of a national chain, it retains its individuality and character. As well, its has almost all the departments a Department Store that could be found in a something comparable in a major US city up until the Seventies. A toy department on the top floor. A restaurant. A stationery department. Fine China. Appliances. But of course the typical clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags that are the only remaining stock in most US «department stores» (which basically means the average Macy’s.) Bentalls, along with a rather excellent W H Smith branch and some nice London clothing shop branches, lift the Centre from mediocrity.

Kingston upon Thames. I grew up here, by the time I turned 16 I was sick of it. Sick of the same shops, bumping into the same people, the same routine. I was ready to start my next journey and chapter of my life, where the grass was greener.
So when I was 18 I moved to Brighton for university… This review has a point !!!
Now I’m a bit older, better looking and wiser. I have fallen back in love with Kingston and what it has to offer. It’s rich with culture and the shopping is really, really good! The Bental centre being a excellent hub for highstreet fashion and gifts, not to mention the variety of cuisines it has to offer.
Although, it’s south west London and slightly on the border. It’s a got a lot to offer and many people near and far will come to Kingston to shop.

I ‘m ok with these Malls. However I can understand those that prefer the old style individual shops. This one reminds me of a Cathedral or a Museum maybe a Mourseleum! Anyway on such a cold day perphaps shops being in one place, better than traipsing around in the weather? The Board that lists the shops is I think up to date and the management very helpful! I‘m a little pro because I spent a few years working around here long ago. And no the dinosaurs were not around then either!

Decent shopping centre with shops such as Game, HMV, Gap and many many more. Nice food restaurants up on the top floor and a great place for christmas shopping.

Langweiliges Shopping Center. Für ein Städtchen wie Kingston ganz okay aber kaum wirklich spannende Geschäfte.

Not much of a fan… always super crowded and nothing unique to offer. Maybe the stores they offer im not interested in… everything is basic… H&M, Mcdonalds and so on. boring…seen it all before… I like White City Westfield mall so much better

Oh man! Both the previous reviews have covered everything.
Oh, the toilets are also awesome. Although could do with those fancy Dyson hand dryers, hence only the four stars.
There’s always something to add :)

Not much to say that Yee Gan O hasn’t already covered. Similarly, it’s the biggest shopping centre to where I live, and does indeed have a fairly solid selection of shops. Whilst it has seen its’ ups and downs over the years, such as the poor decision to remove the food court, and more recently, failed attempts to bring it back (after there are now so many more cafes nearby), losing them a fair bit of footfall to the upper floors (nobody I know actually KNOWS what’s on that top floor now). Not to mention the suicides that have occured from people jumping! Mmm, just what you need on a Sunday morning shopping with the kids.
Rumour has it they currently plan to turn the water feature of the basement level into a seating area to eat in, however, similar to what Centre Court in Wimbledon did a few years back.
However, to the shops themselves, it’s fairly standard. You have an Apple Store — always packed, as to be expected, even if largely by kids. McDonalds, a small bank, Clintons, Game, HMV, Bentalls as previously mentioned, Boots, and several suit stores (Mmm mm. That’s why I go, these days). Whatever you’re after, there’s probably a store that can accomodate to some degree.
It has 3 entrances, so it’s also used by many for a quick route from one side to the other, which can be annoying when you’re trying to get through yourself due to non shoppers clogging the way — but they usually walk fast enough.
Oh, back to my reasons to go here. In addition to suits, they have a nice Starbucks at one entrance, and at the totally opposite side, a Millies cookies/​ice cream stall. Oh goodie!
Edit: Just to say regarding Yee Gan O’s review, if he meant the market a couple of minutes ahead and to your right (The Apple Market) after leaving the main exit, it exists midweek too, from about 10am til 4 or 5, or something.

The biggest shopping area to my home without traipsing into Central London is Kingston, which has a good selection of shops, a small market on Saturdays and the river with some good eating options with a view.
The Bentall Centre is the large shopping centre in Kingston with Bentalls, unsurprisingly, being the anchor department store and backed up with a good selection of 80 chain stores. These are mainly your medium level high street stores.
There is a food court, again with chain eateries but I would recommend eating out of the centre as there is a nice variety of eating places in Kingston town. Similarly, I would suggest parking outside as there are cheaper options though they may not be as convenient.
I love their super-​escalators where you go up 2 floors rather than 1 and there are frequently events taking place in the main foyer area. Also watch out for some good buskers just outside the centre’s main entrance.

This shopping centre is the nicest one I have ever been to, in terms of space and interior design. It is situated right in the centre of Kingston’s pedestrian shopping area, and it’s hard to miss. It is a huge place, going up three stories high, with massive escalators running through the centre. The atrium is designed in the style of Hampton Court, a local landmark.
There is plenty of natural light due to the glass ceiling, so on a sunny day the whole interior is bathed in sunlight, giving the place a very nice and relaxed feel.
There are many stores and services inside this shopping centre, mostly high street chains as well as Bentall’s department store, which has a great selection of ladies’ fashion.
The top level is where the food court is situated, providing a place to relax and recharge for the next round of browsing and shopping.
If you are in need of a health club, you’ll find it here too.
Overall, this shopping centre has all the high street stores covered, and the more boutique-​style shopping the rest of Kingston provides amply.

This is a great shopping centre, really well laid out with plenty of places to find whatever you need. Bentalls itself is a fantastic shop, providing John Lewis with some good competition. The centre has one huge escalator which spans three floors, this is quite a scary experience if you have vertigo (as my boyfriend does) but there are lifts and other escalators if you can’t face using this one.
There is a good display for children, a group of toy bears sing at various times throughout the day. These bears have been there every time I have visited, and are dressed for the season so will probably be looking very Christmassy at the moment. They are always surrounded by excited children so it is a good way to persuade children to be good on shopping trips!