The Entertainer

Until I became the proud aunt of two little terrors I never had much cause for toy shops but now I am au fait with most of the things that are floating kids’ boats. There was a time when I watched In the Night Garden more than the news but now they are getting older it’s all about dressing up as doctors, firemen and a whole lot of Buzz Lightyear. The Entertainer fulfils everything a high street toy shop should be– bursting at the seams with the latest toys and board games with shelf upon shelf of things to excite the little people. There is evidently a more commercial aspect to it, with everything you could find connected to Hannah Montana, High School Musical and the Jonas Brothers. But they do still have those great shelves filled with cheap and silly toys like stretchy rubber caterpillars and wind-​up ladybirds. If you are prepared to be nagged until you part with some cash it is also a great place to bring your little ones when they are in town and tempers are fraying as there is just so much to occupy you! The staff are really lovely and helpful too.

This really is a great toy shop. There’s enough in here to occupy kids and big kids alike for a good half hour or so, browsing through the various toys, ranging from the latest Christmas must-​haves, to pocket money-​priced jokes, silly putty’s and magic tricks, etc. They also do some great kid-​sized fancy dress costumes in here — loads better than any adult equivalent that you’ll find, so it’s worth checking it out if you’ve got a little ‘un who’s in need of an outfit for a party. The staff are really jolly (who wouldn’t be, working in a toy shop?!) and the whole place is really relaxed, so you can feel free to browse without any pressure.

Great toy store on the edge of the Broadmead shopping centre. They have a sister store on the top floor of Cabot Circus as well but this was here first. I prefer this store — it has less space so you feel like things in here are special. Toys range from bouncy balls to meccano so a bit of both traditional and plastic going on but they have a balance.

I heart toy shops. I don’t care if I am 21, I can still go and admire model aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling and throw bouncy balls around. Painted bright red, the Entertainer draws in the kids and the young at heart. Going in things are a bit overwhelming at first. You get hit by a sensory overload of colour, and six year olds scampering around hyperactively. Foam balls will pop out at you if they’re cheeky ones. I think the assault on the senses is to make kids want to buy things, and it works. Don’t come with them unless you’re prepared to shell out some cash or you’re just good at being mean.
They’re a specialist shop and the benefit of getting your toys here rather than a supermarket is that you get a bit more selection and people that know what they’re talking about. This is particularly the case for the arts and craft sections, where a query about model painting, say, might be answered. The Entertainer is a little bit more than just somewhere for parents to empty out their wallets.

Brilliant toy shop, its no toys r us but is definately the next best thing. good sized shop with toys for all ages, boy or girl. Well know brands and characters alongside some brands i have never seen or heard of before. Also stock adult board /​silly games. Usually have some special offers running through out the year so well worth a visit if you are buying for kids this christmas.

Reliable staff, and a plentiful supply of childrens goods. If your looking for a present for a boy or a girl, then this is the place to go. Cheap prices, high quality goods, always a good mix.