Brambles

Brambles is good for a particular style of pattern, usually tied to the yarn it carries, by major brands such as Sirdar and Patons.
If you want yarn, it’s fine if you like acrylic, but useless if you actually want wool — the terms aren’t interchangeable! It has a good line in standard cheap equipment — Pony needles, stitch holders, etc — but not much at the more interesting end of the market. If you are a traditional knitter who wants to churn out baby blankets and bootees, great — if you are into more contemporary items, you’re better off looking elsewhere, I’m afraid.
They also stock an interesting line of baby clothes and notions, which are worth a look if you want something traditional or not the standard Mothercare style.

My friend’s really into knitting and craftwork and she swears by Brambles. It’s not as cheap as online, but at least you know what the colours will actually look like. In case you’re not familiar with it, Brambles stocks wool, haberdashery and fabric. Apparently quite a lot of people make children’s clothes using materials there. It’s a shame it’s so far out from the centre, but I guess it’s not a huge mainstream interest. It’s the sort of thing department stores want to be, but so much friendlier and more homely.