Next came a busy morning spent browsing the boutiques, playing dress-up while hunting for the perfect pieces. Bicester Village’s fashion brands range from Balmain to Chloé and Ganni, there’s plenty to keep fashion fans busy, whilst new boutiques open all the time – recent arrivals include Self-Portrait and Ami Paris.
“I’m an emotive shopper,” admits Hobbs. “I fall in love with pieces. I love clothes that speak to a mood, a character or a scene.”
Emil Levy
When hunger strikes at Bicester Village, there are plenty of food and beverage options to choose from, ranging from dumplings at Shan Shui to quick bites at Itsu and sweet treats at Laduree and Ottolenghi. Hobbs plumped for a chic lunch at Cecconi’s, taking a moment to rest after a busy morning’s shopping. There was, of course, time for a cocktail at the elegant bar, too – “When I say ‘me time’, I actually mean Martini time,” she says with a laugh.
The afternoon’s activity was a visit to Personal Shopping or, as Hobbs describes it, “your own personal VIP dressing room”. A complimentary treat for guests, this service calls upon the skills of Bicester Village’s highly knowledgeable Personal Shopping Consultants, for a shopping experience tailored to you.