Play a cheekyand BLINDER
Bag bargains before sightseeing
THINK Peaky Blinders and sharp dressing may come easily to mind.
Less likely is that you’ll be gripped by the sudden urge to go shopping.
Until, that is, you pay a visit to Chester, close to where some of the gritty TV gangster drama is filmed.
Because while this far from gritty city is a superb base for exploring all things Peaky, it also pulls in the crowds with its huge shopping village – where the only thing getting slashed is the prices.
McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is Britain’s biggest discount shopping village, offering prices at up to 60 per cent off.
And for somebody who gags at the sight of a £120 T-shirt or £60 pair of socks, it was a breath of fresh air.
Chester is just a couple of hours by train from London’s Euston. And Cheshire Oaks – around 20 minutes from the centre – is well served by public transport.
Built in 1995, it has grown several times to its current 145 stores – which include Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Coach, Diesel and Tommy Hilfiger. A £40million expansion is adding 25 more.
But for many of the 8.4 million annual visitors, our guide tells us, the first stop is the luggage shop – to buy a huge case to fill up.
Thousands fly in from Asia on shopping trips. Some stores even have staff who speak Mandarin.
The Oaks, as locals call it, is popular with travelling football fans too, being just 45 minutes from both Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Liverpool’s Anfield stadiums.
I’m no shopping fan, yet my girlfriend and I had a fantastic time on the mile-long circuit of outlets.
I picked up a Nike running jacket for £45 instead of the usual £70+, a couple of T-shirts for £18 each – and got £130 off a smart new coat.
Things may be “last season” but they feel priced how they should be. The site prides itself on delivering deals we all need. It clearly works.
Back at nearby Craxton Wood Hotel, it was time for a much-needed massage in their spa. “You have lots of knots in your shoulder” my masseuse told me. A happy sideeffect of a good day’s bag carrying.
Downstairs, The Grill serves up classic British dishes with a twist.
It is famous for its traditionally smoked fish, prepared by the famous John Ross Jr in 150-year-old kilns. So, naturally, my girlfriend ordered chicken. But that too was fantastic.
Played
HIGH tea can be enjoyed at 38,000ft from late summer after French chef Eric Lanlard created it for Virgin Atlantic. Tea, or prosecco, will be served across all cabins with sandwiches, scones macaroons. See virginatlantic.com.
Breakfast next morning was just as tasty, with kippers in the same style – although the lure of the mixed omelette proved too much for me.
I should have bought a flat cap at the Oaks for our second day, which took a very Peaky Blinders turn. The drama is set in 1920s Birmingham, but scenes were shot in the area.
We began with laser clay pigeon shooting at the hotel to get in character before visiting nearby Arley Hall – the screen home of gang boss Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy.
It is also where Coronation Street filmed Deirdre Barlow’s funeral.
As we arrive, a wedding is taking place. The groom is clearly a fan, as half the chaps are wearing the caps from which the series gets its name – gangsters used to stitch razor blades into the peaks.
After a gorgeous afternoon tea it was off to the National Waterways Museum. Ellesmere Port was used for Peaky’s Camden Town scenes, with local colour added by CGI.
There we took a 4mph plod along the canal, where the famous long boats just about fit under bridges.
“People used to lay on top of their boat and walk themselves through using their feet on the tunnel roof,” explained our guide. “That’s where ‘legging it’ comes from.” Who knew?
A short cab ride to the station later and we were legging it back to London ourselves.
Our shopping bags attracted frowns and tuts. But totting up all the savings, we’d played a blinder. FACTFILE: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is open 9am-8pm Mon-Sat and 10am-6pm Sundays. Twin rooms at Craxton Wood Hotel from £79. Arley Hall and Gardens, £12.50 adults/£5 kids. National Waterways Museum, £9.75 adults/£6 kids.