Royal Mail Depot

There’s really not much to say about this place except I hate that I have to walk what seems to be an endless amount of steps to get here from my flat. I try my hardest to be at home when I know I have something being delivered but it doesn’t always work out that way.
This package in particular, I was in an exam, so there was no way I was going to make it. Being that it’s almost Christmas, I knew exactly what I was waiting for and hurried to the depot today to fetch my package.
For once in all the times I’ve been here, there was no queue which was amazing luck! I got in and got out with my package, no big deal! The staff have always been helpful and friendly as long as you have your slip and proper ID to show.
The place itself is super small, so beware if there is a queue, it might get a little tight, but once you’re in and out, all things are right with the world with package in hand!

I feel like I’m visiting someone in prison when I came here to pickup a package. I wonder if they create such a unwelcoming place so that you stay home everyday to make sure you get your package. I’m not even sure why I’m reviewing this place because I dread ever having to return. I’m giving it two stars because the clerk was nice and I was expecting him to yell at me.
Make sure you walk on the pedestrian path or they’ll send wild dogs out to get you (just kidding… but it does feel that way)

Of course, you’re only going to end up here if you’re in the miserable position of receiving one of those infamous red «sorry you were out» cards. That also means that you haven’t really got any choice about going here — but at least now you’ll be prepared for what’s ahead of you.
Even though it’s a bit off the beaten track, you shouldn’t have any problems finding the depot. Just make sure that you’ve checked the opening times listed on your red card — DO NOT just assume that they’re open at normal times like normal people, because they’re not. And its a long walk to make for no reason.
I had to pick up a parcel last week. Once there and in the queue, I noticed that they have a big sign up saying that they sell stamps. This was very pleasing to me, because I had a handbag full of stamp-​less Christmas cards that needed to be posted. SO, once the postman had checked my ID and fetched my parcel for me, I asked for some stamps.
My first question — could I have some international stamps — was met with a scoff. Apparently they don’t ‘do’ international stamps. I regrouped, and asked to have a packet of 12 second glass stamps instead. (a reasonable request, no?) But this time I was met with annoyance and told that they don’t do packets of stamps either.
At that point, I gave up. Although the Royal Mail Depot may be a necessary evil — don’t expect to get any level of service or for your trip to be of any real use.

Yeah, I know the feeling all too well — the utter frustration of having popped out for a mere half hour to return to an accusing red card: «YOU were not in, so WE could not deliver your package». Or if, like me, and you’ve got a truely pathetic excuse for a postman, you see them being quietly slipped through the letterbox two days late with no knock to alert you to his ‘finding you not in’.
Do I sound bitter? I do apologise, but the action of this postman has sent me so many times all the way down Clarence Drive to retrieve packages.
It’s easier than you first think to find, and a nice quick service once you’re there (shocking really). Remember to take the red card and a form of id — and if you’re picking up for a friend — even if they live with you — make sure to bring their id too (for what reason they have that rule in place is beyond me — surely if you live with someone you’d have just as easy access to their ID as their post if you were desperate to nick those manky shoes they bought on ebay.)
Bear in mind you can’t buy any postage there — it’s solely for picking up. And it has annoying opening hours Mon-​Wed when they’re open from 7.30−12.30, rather than 5 like the rest of the week.
Still, they’re friendly enough there — don’t be scared of picking up rather than getting it delivered — that way you don’t run the risk of getting another red card.