Any idea that young Londoners and foreign tourists are feeling the pinch would be quickly dispelled by a visit to Westfield Shopping Mall in London W14 (White City / Shepherd’s Bush).

There’s very little sign of belt-tightening to be seen. Champagne bars, designer stores and fancy eateries are all doing brisk business thank you very much. It’s like having Oxford Street under one roof.

On my first visit last week, I wondered why all the shops were not listed on the display boards until I realised that there are over 300 in all. You are virtually guaranteed to get lost at least once and I would even go as far as to say that making customers disorientated was built into the plans. The more you wander looking for a way out, the more you are likely to stumble upon a shop you didn’t know was there. I call this the Ikea factor.

Although the development includes a spanking new library and tube station there is very little to suggest that the architects were overly concerned  at integrating the complex with the immediate surroundings. The contrast between the old buildings on Shepherd’s Bush Green and the new mall is marked.

Be advised that Westfield offers the brain numbing /cash depleting effect of mall shopping in spades.