WHEN I got a call from Google to go and see its new shop in Lakeside, I imagined it to be a micro-version of the fun-filled Californian HQ, and I wasn’t far off.

The shop within the shop is the biggest “dedicated space” to Google in the world, outside of its California branch. The search engine giant is on a mission to prove it’s not just that, and has made Essex its second port of call in the UK after an outlet in London’s Tottenham Court Road.

With a slight nod to the streamlined look of the Apple stores – don’t tell them that – the shop is clean, unobtrusive and full of incredible technology.

There are three small desks highlighting the technology on sale – tablets, phones, Chrome books and a Google laptop.

The rest of the space is dedicated to interacting with the technology and is dominated by two 12ft screens.

One focuses on the tech giant’s Google Maps programme, which lets users go to any street in the world.

The real fun though is on the other interactive board, where you can spray-paint a Google doodle with interactive paint cans that even make life-like noises. Think Microsoft Paint for adults.

Both screens were also set up for the Google team to show off the Chromecast technology, which allows you to flick what you’re viewing on your mobile or tablet on to the screens. The same technology is also available to use in your home.

A selfie booth is another highlight, with your picture then being sent as a GIF to whatever email address you like. The Shadow Box is what will draw the kids though.

A Lego-built River Thames and Battersea Power station is enclosed in an interactive glass case with all sorts of knobs and buttons.

Also enclosed is a bicycle from Google HQ, a ship wheel to represent the Port of Tilbury and live Google search trends.

The Google team in the store now want to encourage local businesses and schools to come forward and make use of the facility and hope to soon be hosting breakfast meetings.

Google “Where can I go where shopping is fun?” and I’m pretty sure this place will be the top result.

The store is also offering tutorials on how to use some of its technology.

Visit instore.withgoogle.com for more information.