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No matter how you look at it, shopping just isn't as enjoyable 'post-children".

I used to love Saturday afternoons spent idling around shops, languishing over lunch and enjoying a well-earned coffee.

But it doesn't have the same appeal when you have a buggy, a nappy bag and a bored toddler in tow! So, I was interested to see if shopping at Bicester Village would be any different.

As we arrived on a Saturday morning, parked for free and wandered over to the avenue of one-storey buildings, I was suddenly gripped by that old excitement that only clothes-stuffed carrier bags can bring.

However, half an hour into our visit, my toddler needed a change. This usually results in a couple of lift rides and then a spot of nappy wrestling in a hot, stuffy mother and baby room. But we were pleasantly surprised - no lifts, no steps, and several clean rooms.

We also stopped off at the children's playground, which nestles behind Pret a Manger. The little one was in her element on the swing and roundabout - why don't all shopping centres have these? Another thumbs-up.

WHERE DID YOU EAT?

I'd been advised to head for Carluccio's Caffe for lunch. It was packed by noon, and a queue was forming outside, but we were seated quickly, given a high chair, a baby pack of coloured pencils and paper, and our menus - and that's when we hit a serious hitch.

What to choose from the delicious menu? After a lot of discussion, my companion went for the sea bass with tomato salsa and sautéed potatoes and I chose the penne with spicy sausage.

For the little one, we chose the children's menu option of breadsticks, followed by spaghetti and ragu, plus vanilla ice cream. It made a nice change from fish fingers and chicken nuggets.

To nibble on, we enjoyed a bread basket and olives, plus some frothy lattes. The food arrived very promptly and was as mouthwatering as it sounded.

I have to say, it was the most relaxed family meal out we had enjoyed in a long while.

Puddings - bitter chocolate ice cream, and peaches in Amaretti - made it just about perfect.

WHAT ABOUT THE FACILITIES?

Before we left, praising the manager, we made a quick stop at the mother and baby room, on the ground floor (why are so many others up two flights of stairs?).

Since we'd arrived, Bicester Village had filled up considerably. So it's probably just as well that the place is being extended.

VERDICT: I haven't enjoyed a shopping trip that much in ages.

THE BILL Sea bass with salsa and potatoes: £11.75 Penne with spicy sausage: £7.60 Ice cream: £3.50 Peaches in Amaretti : £4.95 Children's menu meal:£5.95

2:42pm Thursday 20th March 2008

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