I always feel torn when I walk into a branch of Lakeland. On one hand, I am convinced that it is one of the seven circles of Hell - filled with enough tat and 'helpful kitchen gadgets' (and I use the term loosely) to make even the most ardent Delia Smith acolyte flush with rage. For example, they sell a cupcake maker. A CUPCAKE MAKER. Seriously? Is that how far society has come? That people don't even feel as though they can use a normal everyday oven to cook cupcakes anymore? As you may have guessed from this review so far, this annoys me greatly.
And then there's the pricing. Oh Mr (or Miss, I believe in equal rights when it comes to being annoyed about kitchenware) Lakeland. Do you really expect me to pay £3 for a dodgy wooden spoon which I can get for £1 a Poundland? Do I look like I'm made of money?
Then, on the other hand, it can be bloody useful. Need a jam thermometer in a hurry? (OK, so this might be a statement which only applies to myself) Or a cake tin in the shape of a train? Then this is the place to go.
Lakeland - it's the lazy cooks dream store. Doubt they'll be asking me to front an ad campaign for the place any time soon though. read more