There was a buzz of excitement, grown-ups in bows and dolly shoes, and queueing crowds, as Miniso unveiled its largest London retail shop in Camden Town.

Billing itself as "an innovative  lifestyle and design-led product retailer", the shop follows the fashion trend of Kawaii (or cuteness).

The queues stretched along Camden High Street as fans sought to take advantage of goody bag give-aways.

But I got an early sneak peek at this 4,100 sq ft playground of cuteness the day before its Valentine's Day opening, and it was hard to tear my 12-year-old away from the strawberry chocolate mushrooms, doughnut key rings, peach drinks, and banana face cream.

Ham & High: Queues stretched along Inverness Street at the opening of Miniso on Valentine's DayQueues stretched along Inverness Street at the opening of Miniso on Valentine's Day (Image: Miniso)

Everything about the brightly lit colourful lifestyle store is designed to make you exclaim 'aw that's so sweet!'.

And while you won't get away without opening your purse, a visit is a fun trip out in itself.

You won't be able to ignore the selfie spot next to a wall of soft toys or 'plushies' - Miniso's 6,000 stores worldwide sell 30 every hour - Disney, Minions, Pokemon, Sanrio, Hello Kitty! in varying shapes and sizes.

Ham & High: Bridget Galton and daughter at the new Miniso in Camden with our £50 haul of soft toy, beauty products, snacks and cartoon-themed homewareBridget Galton and daughter at the new Miniso in Camden with our £50 haul of soft toy, beauty products, snacks and cartoon-themed homeware (Image: Bridget Galton)

Somehow we went home with a cuddly Ice Bear from our favourite animated series We Bare Bears.

There's also a wall of Asian snacks and drinks -  even the matcha and strawberry Kit-Kats are in cute mini sizes. From Japanese Oreos to Boba tea, you can grab a packet of Korean of Japanese cool to munch at home.

The Camden store has a dedicated section on beauty, the current obsession among pre-teens; many items have cartoon, animal or fruit designs, from face masks and cats paw cleansers, to make up, and exclusive Korean skincare - our haul included cucumber eye pads, a panda cream, and a blusher.

Ham & High: Face cream, a lamp a pencil case and eye mask and fruit drink were among the items in our basketFace cream, a lamp a pencil case and eye mask and fruit drink were among the items in our basket (Image: Bridget Galton)

Elsewhere the shelves are stacked with eye-catching stationery, gadgets, games, bags, bows, lamps, cups and bottles. We also bought a Pompompurin drinking glass, and a mini lamp in the shape of a deer.

Also popular are Miniso's 'Blind Boxes' containing limited edition collectible figurines and the store is a draw for the playful fashion style of childish bows, frills and pastel colours so you might spot some incredible costumes among the crowds.

Ham & High: The shop is decorated in pastel and bright colours and draws fans who dress in Kawaii styleThe shop is decorated in pastel and bright colours and draws fans who dress in Kawaii style (Image: Miniso)

The good news for parents on a budget is that prices start at around £1.50, with very little over £25, so you can have a little retail therapy without breaking the bank.

Miniso Camden is at 213-219 Camden High Street.