IKEA, the huge Scandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture and housewares, in a warehouse-like space over a few levels with different sections. Thy sell items for living space, bedrooms, kitchens and almost everything else you would want for your home. It has everything you need for all your home furnishings. There are one or two IKEAS in each big city around the UK and the World. It is very reasonably priced and they are usually very up to date with everything they sell. They also have a cafe in each store which has very reasonably priced breakfast and scandinavian style foods. They also have the IKEA family card where you can get discount on Breakfasts,Complimentary Tea and Coffee and great benefits for this great company. The Ashton IKEA is very easy to get to with great motorway links and a direct tram from the city centre of Manchester. read more

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Normally IKEA would be 5/5 as I love the showroom aspect to seeing what you're going to buy in a real world situation. Unfortunately I bought the IKEA poang chair and footstool only to find that upon unwrapping there was an incredibly pungent fishy smell!! Half a can of febreeze and two days later its still here!! Not happy. Apart from that I had a nice couple of hours there and picked up some bargains as well as having the Swedish meatballs in the cafe. Top tip: try the apple cider in the restaurant, it's beautiful! Or pick it up in the shop at the end if you're driving you won't regret it. read more

IKEA Store - Forward thinking IKEA - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

In my attempt to become a grown up I decided to spend my Saturday afternoon buying furniture/ an outrageous amount of candles for my new flat. I don't drive so I got the tram which was really easy as the stop is right outside. IKEA is designed to be an easy experience and it really was, the layout just lets you wander round area to area with ease. There are some real bargains so this coupled up with the smooth layout definitely tempts you to spend more than you intended. For larger purchases jus keep a note of the aisle number and location and hunt it down in the self service warehouse at the end of your shop, really simple! The cafe is famous for its meatballs so I had to try them, I wouldn't usually opt for that kind of thing but they were tasty and for only £3.50 you couldn't go wrong. I also had a delicious almond, chocolate and butterscotch cake and a cup of tea, it was a steal and fuelled me for another hour of shopping. I would describe the food as cheap and cheerful, I didn't have high expectations from a furniture shop cafe. I definitely don't recommend buying as much as I did and then getting the tram home but I got carried away! They do offer home delivery but for the steep price of £29 or they offer van hire which would probably be your best option if you are buying a lot. Well worth a look round and I challenge you to leave empty handed. read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

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All hell broke loose when this building was planned and built. It is an IKEA though so what is the problem? There were many reasons for concern by the residents such as traffic problems that this new Ikea would bring. Again, so what!! It brings people to the town therefore making more money. Secondly, people were commenting that the building would look ugly and garish which is a valid point but again Ikea colours are yellow and blue. It stands out and is prominent. Despite the arguments about it, today it stands tall all yellow and blue of it. Geographically it is perfectly placed as the nearest ones to Manchester are in Leeds and Warrington. I love it here, I bought all my student stuff and more. It is cheap and full of different things that can add something extra to your home and you do not have to break the bank. It is good to walk around the showroom and see new ideas and how they are presented for inside. They also have a cafe which is also cheap and as most people will probably know, the meatballs are a god-send! Take a look at their website for more information! read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

The thing I love about Ikea is that they just get it right - you can go cheap, you can go expensive but overall everything is still stylish, efficient and you think it would look amazing in your house. I really get caught up in it all as I find myself getting more and more obsessed by design as the years go by (I can blame Grand Designs and a subscription to Wallpaper for that...) - but you do just forget sometimes that your house isn't a minimalist beach shack in Malibu and that most things won't go in your 1930's red brick northern semi. This place is huge, multi-levels with everything for every aspect of the home. Although this wasn't the plan when we set off we actually ate here too - the meatballs and mash always going down a treat (and a large plate for £5.95 really did hit the spot) Overall I wouldn't want to go here too often but it does definitely seem like a treat when you haven't been for a while. read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

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This IKEA truly tests your knowledge of the Manchester bus system. Take one into the city centre, hop onto another (hope it's even there), and then you drive... for ever .. and ever .. while you wonder whether you're being taken out to an abandoned field and left for dead. Some 45 minutes later, after driving through cities full of rundown bars and shoppes (the recession sure hit hard here..), you finally make it -- or so you are told. "We're....here?" You get off in a random city and walk, peeking through after every block hoping to see the familiar blue and yellow building...and you finally do. PHEW. Now, if you're without a car like me, the traditional IKEA experience will come with a challenge; how do you buy all those great cheap goodies and get them home with you? You will learn to be practical for the first time in your life. The cafe is pretty great and does a good job of charging you up for shopping. We decided on spinach and cheese pancakes (YUM!) and meatballs -- my friend got those so I could try (they didn't look appetizing enough for me to get some) and... well.. I tried. Shopping here is a full-on project. The store layout is even more confusing than those in the States (how can it be?!) but the usual wonders are there if you only have the patience to look long and hard enough. Any random housewares, bedding, or kitchenware you could possibly need will be found here and not break the bank. Cheers, IKEA! read more

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This store is great and really everting you want for a stylish looking home (and also a whole lot of other stuff you didnt know you needed!) From chairs to beds , to blinds and cutlery there is literally everything here. As well as furniture they sell a huge load of great garden stuff like plants, seeds and fired compacted compost! The restaurant is great too the meatballs and mash is amazing!! They also do great curries, cakes and coffee which will keep you going when on a big shop!! read more

IKEA Store - Amazing cakes and coffee :) - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

IKEA is a massive warehouse in Ashton, mainly specilising in furnichure. It is so big, that is is hard to navigate as well as lack of signage and it being difficult to sometimes find staff, it means you have to result to asking normal people. One guy even offered to take me where I was going, and we had a friendly conversation on the way, which is better than some staff do at other places. IKEA just gives a sort of dissapointing feel, the food I found was awful which is shocking as I have read reviews on here that the food is supposed to be good, I had high expectations which were not met especially with it being a swedish company. IKEA has a lot of parking space, some in the store and a little bit of parking on the front of the store with views of sunlight and Ashton, although not the place you want to be parking in heavy snow or rain, this is one of the nicer car parks which makes me forget it is from a big, commerical company in a way. IKEA has a loyalty scheme, the family card gives you money off certain things and free tea or coffee in the cafe. They is some nice furnichure here at good prices but some items are overpriced in my view. If you have to go to IKEA, please remember to try and see it all, they is a hidden away part so just feel free to ask a fellow shopper or a member of staff if you find one, after all if you have traveled all that way you will be wanting to see it all. IKEA just gives me a dissapointing feel, it is somewhere you will only really want to go once, with the lack of staff and signage I feel it only deserves 2 stars. read more

Ahhh Ikea we have so much to thank you for: Thanks for giving us cheap furniture/bit and bobs to make our student halls/ homes look less terrifying/ depressing/ crap. Thanks for bringing an once of style to the average British home. Thank for giving us the best and cheapest hotdogs around. Thanks Ikea we still love you even when we get a bit ahead of ourselves and convince ourselves you were sooo 5 years ago. Keep going strong our Swedish blue and yellow friend. read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

As with all IKEAS this is a massive out of town shopping complex. IKEA Manchester features a complete range of well-designed, functional, home furnishing products, readily available at affordable prices.Kitchen, bedroom, living room, indoor or outdoor living; IKEA Manchester aims to deliver inspirational solutions for you, closer to your home. Finding this place can be a nightmare even with sat-nav you just seem to go in circles, an up-to-date map may be the only solution or map printout from their website. I recommend you try their cookies in the convenience store if you manage to get there. read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

Ashton under Lyne is obviously the answer to stopping Mancunians from having to travel closer to Liverpool at the older Warrington store. One of the things worth noting with this IKEA is that the parking is undercover, so when you're wheeling your brand new flat sofa bed to your car in the pouring rain you don't have to worry about it.  It is as IKEAs are, and this one does always seem to have most of the stock, and in stock. It is easy to get round, I've been to this one three times now, and the first time was quite an experience- We had miscalculated the drive from the flat compared to the closing time, and we got there less than ten minutes before closing time. It did feel a little like supermarket sweep, rushing through grabbing cushion covers, fillers, elderflower cordial, ice lolly moulds, terrariums, trying on the weird kids hats, and grabbing a sofa bed, all with enough time to grab the last doughnuts from the food counter by the tills. I'd maybe say you couldn't navigate it that quickly with screaming kids on a Saturday morning, but you don't have to be trapped in there forever. read more

Bright colours, sleek lines, open-plan living, more rugs than anybody could use in a lifetime, names like 'Fürg' and 'Blark' (okay, I'd better actually go on the website)... names like Kvist and Billy and Hemnes, those giant stuffed snake toys for the kids and mini Daim bars. Any trip to Ikea can be as much a treat as it is an assault on the senses. This Ashton branch is definitely the one Mancunians flock to in their droves, oft leaving their cosy little furnished urban boxes to grab an extra unit here or a set of plates there. I've grown up with Ikea furniture and crockery, and am still living with it now. They have excellent wine glasses, lovely chunky square plates in a variety of sizes and colours, great mugs and there's something for every taste - except maybe vintage chintz, that's something Ikea doesn't really deal with. However that's the same story with the furniture, really. When I moved into my new place I had a few items delivered from Ikea - a chest of drawers, a small bookcase for my alcove and a sofabed for the spare room. If you've a handiperson around who likes a good puzzle challenge, you'll find things are put together very easily. Sure, I've dragged a couple of Billy bookcases a few too many times around university accommodation, but hey, they lasted while I was treating them well. And as for that canteen, well, I'm heading back soon for a piece of the Daim cake everybody's raving about. Why have I never had that stuff? Anyway, many happy memories have been made in this Ikea, but I do wish they wouldn't keep it so darn cold. I know, they're very eco and such, but shopping here in January was an icy ordeal! read more

Come for the furniture (and family arguments), stay for the rack of lamb New on the menu is the very tasty and succulent rack of lamb on a bed of seasoned mash and French beans. It's a nice change from the meatballs and still very reasonable. IKEA, as always, is busy so even if you come in the middle of the day, there are families galore, plenty of couples squabbling and older people. Get yourself an IKEA Family card and you'll get deals on hot drinks and some meals. Oh, and there's a new catalogue out, filled with new and useful things to salivate over: wireless charging phone cases and furniture are the current stand-outs. read more

IKEA Ashton under Lyne this shop sells everything you need for your home I can never seem to find any members of staff to help me. They have a restaurant which is not too expensive. And there is plenty of parking. read more

IKEA Store - Furniture Stores Near Me - Ashton-under-Lyne, XGM

Im amazed that I can walk around a shop yet not seem to find what I want sometimes or equally buy everything I don't need yet want and not what I travelled there for! Split over three levels the Swedish shop has everything from Bonsai tree's to double beds so if you want something for your house or even your fridge get down to IKEA at Ashton under Lyne read more

It's an ikea. It has a large range of products which are really cheap. The staff are ok reasonably friendly. Other than that it loses a star for only EVER having one till open at the canteen WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?! why why why why why? #why? read more

I LOVE IKEA!!! Most girls do, let's face it, it's kind of like a big girls dolls house...and we get to be the dolls! You wander round all the display rooms and decide you want your room exactly like that...until you move into the next display! Ikea is a day long trip in my opinion! But if I had my way I'd bring a van too! Watch out for the delivery prices, very very expensive! Your best bet is looking around online first on their website to see what you want and then going up to see it in action! Oh and get a hotdog. And some meatballs. Yum. Ooooooh oooooh ooohhhhh! I nearly forgot the best bit! They sell CANS of KOPPABERG by the CRATE! (Yes the capitals were necessary)! Amazing in the summer! read more

I don't have a frame of reference for this Ikea because unlike everyone else in the world I did not go for trips to Ikea as a child. Whether because there wasn't one near where we lived or because my parents took us to better places (sorry guys) I don't know. Now I no longer get to see the look on people's faces when I say I've never been to Ikea. Honestly I was expecting some kind of adventure wonderland the way people talk about it. So it's a shop. It sells things for your home. Mostly flat-packed, mostly affordable. We managed to get everything we wanted and also lots of other things that we didn't necessarily need or want but ended up coming home with us anyway. It is kind of fun how the shop is set out but it does mean that you're in for the long haul. We stopped off at the café and I felt like I just had to go for the meatballs and the Daim bar cake. This was actually all really tasty so well done Ikea. I've now been to Ikea twice and hopefully won't need to go again until I move house next but I've had the experience now at least! read more

TL;DR - It's an IKEA; what's not to love? If you've visited one IKEA, you'll know the score. Massive furniture showroom designed to make you follow a particular route so you see everything... opportunities to buy food and accessories on the way... then if you like something, you collect it from the warehouse and take it home with you. This IKEA is a bit unusual in that it's tall, so the car park is on top and the showroom is split across different levels, but other than that it's the usual drill. Nice furniture at a variety of price points and certainly nothing you'd consider overpriced. Don't forget your IKEA Family card for free tea and coffee in the restaurant, and don't forget to indulge in those meatballs and gravy (lingonberry jam is now with the condiments after the till so you can have as much as you want!). My one gripe is that, depending on the direction you approach from, the entrance to the car park isn't especially well signposted - but that's not Ikea's fault; it's the road layout in the area. Personally, I love IKEA. If you do too, you'll be happy here. If you hate flat pack furniture and busy stores, maybe look elsewhere. read more

Can you think of anything worse than a Bank Holiday trip to Ikea? I sure as hell can't. However, when you've moved flat and need three times the amount of storage in your new place, there's also nowhere better to head. It's hard to say much about inside Ikea - they're all designed the same, with that handy arrow to reassure you that, at some point, you will find the end. It's hard not to shop spontaneously here; after about 5 minutes, I'd picked up 4 tribal print glasses and a stuffed toy dog. Needless to say, it was good my parents were there to point me in the right direction... We got some food halfway round to refuel; I had a vegetable pasta dish, and the other half went for meatballs with fries, the parents going for a smaller portion of the meatballs and a sandwich between them. The pasta was actually quite tasty, if a bit bland, and the meatballs were tasty enough. Getting through checkout was easy, though it's never fun to see that final receipt! Walking to the car was difficult due to the sloping pavement, so I would suggest bringing the car around if you're not feeling too strong. read more

Other Ikeas in the UK are built mainly underground, or in a retail park where there there are already lots of ugly concrete buildings. This Ikea is big, blue and massive. Therefore, it's a massive blot on the local countryside. Honestly, I cannot believe how this got through planning permission, and how they were allowed to paint it blue! Anyway, it exists. I guess there's not a lot anyone can do about it now. And yes, I admit it. Ikea is AMAZING for cheap furniture that is actually ok. We've got a fair few Ikea items in our flat. When I've gone for the absolute cheapest items they wear down or break very quickly (my wok, my cheap bedside table with the drawer that doesn't work any more). But spend a tiny bit more and you're getting great value with good quality too. As long as you're good at assembling flatpack furniture. A vital skill in today's world. read more

Updated to reflect the price of the food. I normally come here to get a monthly dose of Meatball, Chips & Gravy but for 3 of us to dine here today cost nearly £15. That was x2 adults & x1 child. It used to be cheap.....Ikea, what happened ???? read more

It gives me a strange pride to say that I have never bought anything from Ikea, and that still holds true after my first ever visit to an Ikea store, namely this one in Ashton. I was going to say 'I don't own any Ikea items', then I realised that both the office chair I'm sitting in and the birch and cream cotton comfy chair to my left are both Ikea items purchased second hand from a friend. Both solid, 'Ikea premium range' items...which I would never have paid full ticket for! I found the design and layout of this store a bit strange. The entrance is on the fifth floor, and Ikea signs clearly explain how low carbon brownie points are to be had for climbing five flights of stairs, rather than using the elevator unless you *really* need to. Plus, unlike a department store, I couldn't get my bearings on what was on which floor, and where. I get the feeling that, as with everything else, it is the savvy shopper who comes out ahead at Ikea. OK, Ikea sell lots of things at nice prices, but I would suggest cherry-picking just some of them. For example, really cheap bowls plates, cutlery, great - but I would be more inclined to spend a bit more at Hub Retail in the Arndale Centre for a more finished product. But I liked Ikea's big, strong glasses, for example. On the furniture front, I guess the logistics of buying cheap furniture and home décor items which match is just too much many people, especially if they are trying for some exquisite matching design scheme...which is the same as your neighbours! In it's favour, Ikea stuff mainly has that stripped-down Scandanavian elegance so you can avoid that too busy 'your Nan's' look. What I feel really good about is stuff like Ikea's Ivar range, which is chairs, tables, shelves etc made of wood held together by bolts. This contrasts with the majority of Ikea furniture, which tends to be made of material which looks like wood but probably reacts to water or damp like your Weetabix reacts to milk. I think give Ikea a whirl, check out the looks, but keep your canny shopper hat on to check whether that bargainous item is in fact a best buy. And maybe the right shopping decision could be to walk out empty handed, but with some design ideas, from Ikea's acres of stuff. If you are really skint, Ashton market sells two piece suites for £60. Personally, I'm looking for floor-to-ceiling storage shelves. And while I may end up going for some Ikea Gorm or Ivar shelving, I'm looking on Gumtree also. I've already had fantastic results from buying an old Habitat solid beech mirrored bathroom wall cabinet for £10 which came up beautifully after sanding and varnishing and it is built to last forever. So - maybe Ikea, maybe not. Food wise, I think Ashton is foodie enough to provide plenty of nicer options than the Ikea canteen. See my 'Ashton-under-Lyne - a vegetarian explores' list (under construction). read more

Ikea Ashton-Under-Lyne is Huge set over three floors with outside car parking and roof top parking. It is a 5 minute walk from the train station and Ashton Bus Station. Ideal for a morning out mooching the store, if you get there early enough for the 95p Breakfast and Free Tea or Coffee (With an Ikea Family Card) then on for a look round. The first part of the store is all the display rooms which always look really nice and are kept tidy and updated, then onto the lighting and accesories on the floor below, then down to the ground floor for the plants and furniture off the shelves. I always have a look in the clearance area near the tills you can sometimes get some really good bargins. There are always staff on at the main entrance to welcome you into store and give you a bag. Pleanty of Free Pencils and tape Measure for use while walking around. My kids love going here, they love looking around and there are little kiddie station dotted around the store where they can sit for 5 minutes and have a play on the interactive boards. After youve paid there is a little shop and fast food outlet where you can get a hot dog and ice cream for the kids. All in all Excellent Value for money, the stock is fantastic and the service in Brill!!! The Staff are always friendly and helpful. read more

This Ikea is huge with a huge car park to match! It has the usual Ikea furniture but I find it a much better layout than some others I've been to. They have huge lifts which are great for getting stuff back to the car & there is a loading area as well. Ikea offers good value for money & have ranges to suit all budgets. There's a food shop, cafe & they also have a great bargain corner. Well worth a visit if only for a look around. Especially good for students, people starting out with their first home. My favourite part is the children's Ikea where I could spend hours- & lots of money! read more

I can only agree with Jonnywy, I have been assembling flat pack products for people throughout the North West who either can't or don't want to do it themselves. In my opinion in terms of value for money and the finished effect Ikea is second to none. With respect to the Pax wardrobes, it is difficult to find a product from any other supplier that matches it for quality and the price is terrific too! The only downside to Ikea is that it is more like a cash and carry rather than a traditional shop, and when it comes to getting larger products home, returning items or exchanging them the process leaves a lot to be desired. So it is best to have a plan before you visit! That's just my opinion and I see products from all high st retailers, internet only etc. read more

You can miss this place .I'm sure you will be able to see this blue and yellow building from Space. Located in the centre of Ashton near to the bus and train station. All other shops are direct facing IKEA A brand new Aldi adding to the list. Ikea is large and located on several floors. Theres plenty of lifts and exulaters so no need for the stairs. Nicely laid out with lots of displays. The best bit is the market place at the end of your shopping experiance of show rooms. Cheap and cheerful items on sale. You can't knock value. Great if your just starting out with you first house. read more

One thing is certain with IKEA; You certainly can't miss it. It's an imposing and unimaginative box-shaped eye-sore from the outside, painted starkly in the yellow and blue corporate colours. It's quite strange considering IKEA is famed for it's stylish flair, and somewhat disconcerting, you would expect them to apply some of their eye for design to the architecture too. Once you've got past the look of it, found a parking space from the many levels provided (the outside parking required manoeuvring some crazy tight bends) then you take an unassuming industrial sized lift down to the shopping floor. The three floors are arranged with hundred of sample 'rooms' from which you can cherry pick the items that most take your fancy. There's very little that they don't have, including some really ingenious storage solutions. The prices of a lot of the thing are not cheap though. Take special note if you're purchasing a bed, as the do not appear to use the industry standard sizing, so you'll have to buy your mattress and bedding from them too if you want it to fit properly. There's usually always long queues, and there's no windows or clocks on view, so it's hard to judge the time of day. One respite at the end is the discount café offering relatively cheap hot dog and drink combinations. read more

Does what it says inside the box... As always Ikea lives up to being Ikea, I bought the sideboard I wanted and managed to assemble it when I returned home. I was also pleased with my shopping experience I got the right level of help and the friend who kindly brought me seemed happy with the breakfast we had in the morning, (next time we will attempt to come a bit earlier as they had run out of a few items), still they coped fairly well considering it was new years day. read more

Fantastic value for money! people have called it cheap and rubbish but I think there are a lot of bargains to be had. Having just bought my first house with my wife, we are both very impressed with how far our money has gone. Even if it does only last 12 months, at least we will be able to enjoy our fully furnished house. Staff are very helpful too. -Matt read more

Always love coming here. We buy properties to rent out and try to furnish them using Ikea where possible. The furniture is durable yet cheap enough to replace should it become necessary read more

Big car park and easy to get to, just off the m60. It's much better than the Warrington one as you do t have to battle with the traffic and car parks for the other ships like you do there. It's got all the home furnishing essentials you need, plus a big cafe and the food shop on the way out. Don't forget to scan your receipt for some tasty freebies! read more

If you haven't heard of IKEA yet, I don't know where you've been hiding!! The beauty of the Ashton store is that it never seems to be too busy so you can actually spend time in the miniature room sets they build working out exactly what you need for your own home. The prices are great so it means you can afford to go that little bit crazy pretending to DIY SOS your own home! I guarantee you'll never walk out empty handed - even if you only buy a small item! read more

I am glad that IKEA comes nearby Manchester ! The shop is just enjoyable to browse. The shop is massive and you can easily spend hours there. I do not go that often but it is nice to pick up some new household items sometimes. I noticed snack area ( Just before the exit) is quite busy with local kids. They just come snack section and buy fries, hot dog or donuts to snack without browsing IKEA itself. I found it is quite funny.Fries are just 50 P-ish. So good for children pocket money:-) read more

Who doesn't love IKEA?! I was chuffed when I moved to Manchester to find that this was just around the corner (I always thought I would continue battling the hellish traffic for the Warrington one). This one is in Ashton and is a lot less busy than it's neighbouring Warrington store, making it a better choice at weekends! Sells alsorts of bits n bobs for the home and prices are dirt cheap!! Everyone's happy! Candles, furniture, kids toys, kitchen utensils - you name it, they sell it. Occassionally has offers/ discount weeks which is well worth taking advantage of. They always have good catalogues in store and sometimes post out to your home address. PS:- The hot dogs are not to be missed!! read more

I've never really liked the concept of Ikea but on visiting this store i changed my mnd. Very well designed and provides some really useful ideas and inspiration into changing your living space. It was so good in fact i ended up buying a new bed, book case and shelves and lots of kitchens utensils. It seems the Swedes thought of everything when they opened this place, No room is forgetten. I didn't want to leave in case i missed something in the store. Probably the best thing about Ikea it the low price you pay for well designed items. read more

It is indeed a bit of a trek to gravitate your chintzy behind to this branch. With two Ikea's on Manchester door step though this is far easier (and quicker) for me to get to than the Warrington branch. However once you've been the first time it's far easier the second time around (I'll admit this junction of the M60 is a bit of retail park maze). Of course it's also fun to drive up the bizarre, huge long ramp which elevates you to the car park inside it's structure. Not entirely sure this huge blue and yellow monolith fits well with the surrounding landscape (natural hills around Stalybridge) but then do they ever? Always a love hate situation between myself and Ikea. I've been close to panic attacks on certain occasions usually on the busiest days when you feel 'processed' as part of the 'experience'. Best thing to do is go if you can in the week and only to browse rather than specifically require a few items for your homethat's usually a recipe for a minor breakdown. Part of the clever appeal of Ikea is that you'll end up with far more stuff in your trolley/huge bag then you intended to. For the price you can grab some pretty decent items, although I've had a few things (I'll name a wardrobe amongst them) that wasn't of the best quality by any stretch of the imagination. As usual every nook and cranny of you home and garden are catered for (across all price ranges). I'm particularly impressed with the lighting ranges these days. The website is very good these days so you can check ahead where you to have a certain item or items in mind. We went midweek and the restaurant wasn't too busy and I was surprised at it's range (thinking only hot dogs and ice cream were sold!). Back on the directions front, they've 'implemented' a fair few signs to enable you to find the place much easier as you traverse the local motorway network. read more

IKEA in Ashton is the first every IKEA I have been to and it really was an eye opener. This building is central and massive, it is on 3 floors and probably the biggest shop I have ever been in to in my life. This super store has everything you could possibly ever need for your house, even if you don't need anything you end up picking things up and buying them. I was last were a couple of weeks ago and I seen Frankie from, Hollyoakes, that I didn't expect. They have an amazing cafe here where the food seems to be subsidized , it real good quality and because IKEA is Swedish the food is, everyone always raves about the meatballs so I had to try some!! Much better than the normal tinned ones I get from Asda, I might even just drive out again for the meatballs!! read more

This is one big Ikea store, it's easy to get around but if you're in a rush then you will struggle to get out any time soon. It is impossible to get one item and make you way to the till quickly as you can only start shopping from the top floor. When you buy something at Ikeas these days, you cannot buy anything without registering for the Ikea family card which is like a membership card which allows them to send you promotional offers and news you might be interesting in. I have received my first voucher this week of £10 off when you spend over £50 which is good. The Ikea range is superb for small kitchen and bathroom essentials but I find the designs unoriginal anymore. I find that many stores have copied the designs and have become the norm for any bachelor gaffe. In terms of value for money then Ikea is still the key ingredient for any well furnished place. read more

This IKEA was quite difficult to find; it seemed to us that someone had been fiddling with the road signs and we ended up going round in circles for 10 minutes! Once inside, it's pretty much the same as the Warrington branch (although the car park easier to access); lots of chic and cheap ideas for your home. However, I STRONGLY advise you to avoid the cafe; queues are almost always ridiculously long, and made longer by the ineptitude of the staff. read more