Most people anticipate finding good deals when they go shopping nowadays, but my recent shopping trip turned out to be unexpectedly exciting. Originating from Portsmouth, I chose Gunwharf Quays as my shopping destination due to the lackluster high street scene. This waterfront designer outlet boasts a variety of over 90 stores offering discounts of up to 60% on popular brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Nike, Adidas, Mulberry, and Kate Spade.
Apart from the shopping options, Gunwharf Quays features more than 30 dining establishments, including well-known names such as Wagamama, Nando’s, Brasserie Blanc, Giggling Squid, and Loch Fyne. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the iconic Spinnaker Tower, standing at 170 meters tall, providing breathtaking views of the Solent and Isle of Wight.
The complex also houses a 14-screen Vue Cinema, a 26-lane Hollywood Bowl, a Grosvenor Casino, and the Aspex contemporary art gallery. Visitors can partake in powerboat rides, harbor tours, or simply stroll along the marina to admire the visiting yachts.
With its diverse offerings, Gunwharf Quays draws a significant number of visitors each year. Reports indicate that approximately 7.3 million people visit the location annually, making it the most popular attraction in Portsmouth as of 2025, with almost 65% of all city visitors making a stop there.
Given its popularity, many brands choose to showcase their products at Gunwharf Quays. One such brand is Dr Pepper, which recently promoted their new limited-edition flavor ‘Cream Swirl’ at the location. During my visit, I was surprised to see a person dressed as a giant Dr Pepper can interacting with customers, while another individual was showcased on a human hamster wheel with the slogan ‘Do you dare to cream?’ displayed above.
Despite the unconventional marketing tactics, the campaign seemed to resonate with visitors, prompting me to share the experience on TikTok. The ‘Cream Swirl’ flavor, blending Dr Pepper’s signature taste with a creamy twist, was launched in the UK on February 23, 2026, and is set to be available until February 2027 in major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons.
Perhaps supporting the new flavor will ensure its success and spare the person in the Dr Pepper suit from further shopping mall appearances!