Marks & Spencer

Perhaps I’m showing my age when I say that the M&S brand used to be a guarantee of quality. I called in last week to pick up something to eat and realised that the only part of that ‘old’ M&S remaining is the slightly higher than average prices.
The meal deals were very disappointing both in their variety and quality and the price was higher than meal deals elsewhere.
At the till I found the member of staff very pleasant and the store was generally clean and pleasant.

I know I boo’d this M&S in solidarity with runcible but I came here last night to pick up some tasty Dine-in-for-£10 treats and thought it was fine. A helpful member of staff directed me to a secret shelf of side dishes when I got stuck, and my whole shopping experience was very swift and trouble free. What I don’t like about this M&S, and I’m aware of how hypocritical this will sound, is the people who shop here. Or rather, the people who were shopping here between 5.35 and 5.45 last night. They were rude, obnoxious and snobby. Yes all of them (apart from me, naturally).

This is a great little M&S, perfect for popping into without the hassle of a big store. It’s a food hall with a few little extras: Cards & wrapping paper, flowers and plants, some kitchen accessories, hosiery, magazines. Parking is easy here, and they seem to be extending the store too as the Chained Bull has now been knocked down. There isn’t a coffee shop, which is perhaps the only thing that’s missing (maybe that’s what they’re building?!)

This is not a bad M&S, though it doesn’t have a terribly wide range of items. It’s good for Per Una clothing, and lingerie and hosiery. The staff always seem cheery.

Easily the worst M & S I know. The amount of times I’ve popped in to grab something I’d forgotten to get in my normal shopping trip and NOT found it is ridiculous. They don’t sell frankfurters for instance! Then I vow I’ll never go back before lowering my standards again, only to be disappointed once more.
Happily there is large scale refurbishment afoot. If they turn it into what I would call a ‘proper’ M & S I’ll be happy to return and edit my review.
I have just come back and edited my review and reduced a star. The reason being that the apparent ‘refurbishment’ turns out to be expanding the car park. So the worst M & S I know demolished the pub next door and built a car park rather than bring their store even vaguely up to standard. Boo! Rubbish!