A SHOPPING centre has welcomed two new additions to its shopping portfolio.

Both milkshake bar The Shaken Cow and mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse opened for business at the Howard Centre in WGC last week.

The Shaken Cow Milkshake Bar and Cafe, located next to the entrance for WGC rail station, is the second bar to be opened by brothers Lee and Ross Hughes, having launched the first one in St Albans almost a year ago.

With more than 100 different flavours of shake, plus an extensive snack and lunch menu, the siblings are hoping their services will prove a hit with thirsty shoppers, commuters and youngsters visiting the centre.

“We’ve had a very warm welcome,” said Ross, 23.

“We already feel like we’re part of the family.”

“We’ve got some great characters, and I think they like to have the new independent shop here,” said Lee, 29.

“We’re known for having the best milkshakes around, but we also do other top quality produce like fresh roasted Italian coffee, Belgian hot chocolates with real chocolate.

“Whether you’re thirsty or hungry, The Shaken Cow is the place to be.”

Meanwhile in the unit formerly occupied by Birthdays card store, the Carphone Warehouse opened for the first time on Friday.

Despite opening in a shopping centre already occupied by Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and Vodaphone, store manager Julian Eastwood emphasised the difference between the Carphone Warehouse and other mobile retailers.

“The difference is our independence,” Julian said.

“We provide all the networks, and quality choice from staff not working on commission – we think it’s a winning mix.

“Our Walk Out Working service will set up your email for you, download apps and set up My Hub online back-up.

“We’ve wanted to be in WGC for a long time, we think it’s a great place to be.”

Shirley Harper, managing director of the Howard Centre, said: “We’re delighted to have both The Shaken Cow and Carphone Warehouse on board.”