This shop is unfriendly, sparse, and even a little depressing. I only popped in for a newspaper,…read moreand the woman behind the counter couldn't even bring herself to make eye contact with me, let alone say "hello" or "thank you". Perhaps I just went in on a bad day. The store has an ugly exterior (who on earth decided that bright yellow and purple would be a good combination for a shop front?), an ugly interior (dark, all spread out), and, in Cotham, which is full of unique, lovely businesses and charity shops, it sticks out, in a bad way. It's just a convenience store, of course, so you shouldn't expect much anyway. If you're desperate, live nearby and can't be bothered to walk the extra few steps to another store, this will do. It sells all the basics, and is open late, but just operates with absolutely no flair or enjoyment. The name is somewhat ironic here: "Premier" this shop certainly is not.

Too big for a news agents, too small for a mini supermarket. Premier, sells the bare minimum of…read morewhat you might need. I would not get over excited about it, it does not have the prices of Tesco Metro (or the range), and it has too much to fell like your local newsagent. That being said it is service with a smile, the business has invariably been open when i needed something last minute, and the lady that works there is sweet.

Not just a great name, but a great wine merchants too…read more The welcoming and knowledgeable staff are an ideal team for someone as useless as me when it comes to picking a bottle of the good stuff. With their friendly and un-patronising tone they'll guide you through the basics up to the best that they offer. (It's a great way to bluff yourself through dinner conversation, and learn an interesting thing or do). But it's not just wine they have on sale but spirits and ales too. So if you're looking for a bottle of something to take to a party, be sure to pop by to Corks of Cotham.

One of Bristol's few independent wine merchants, Corks of Cotham offers a little more character…read morethan the beer and wine aisle of your local supermarket. It's more of a general off licence really, with generous spaces given to spirits and beers in the shop. They do know their stuff about wine though, and will happily talk you through the basics or discuss some obscure vintage. The staff are always friendly too and don't take themselves too seriously. They do tasting sessions, which are a laugh. I can't take this sort of thing too seriously, but I'm sure there's plenty to learn. Doing so whilst having a couple of glasses of wine can't be a bad thing either. It's certainly preferable to guessing at the quality from what the label looks like, which is what I usually end up doing at the supermarket. Corks of Cotham is a niche store where you'll probably end up buying a better bottle than you otherwise would.

A unique retail experience, you enter The Clifton Cellars by going down a several stone steps into…read morea cellar that wouldn't look out of place in a Harry Potter film. You'll be greeted and asked what sort of occasion you're buying for from a sales clerk that seems to know what they're talking about. The selection is extensive and you can buy in bulk. There are wine quizzes, tastings,and talks, which I can't vouch for. But they at least suggest that the people here are serious about their wine. The prices go from cheap to ridiculous but then that's wine for you. If you're serious about your wine then the range on offer means you'll probably find something affordable Plus, the sales clerks can be very good at explaing just why this particular bottle is so special. This means that whatever you end up buying from The Clifton Cellar, you'll probably end up with something you're happy with.

Ah, the height of Clifton Village living - a wine cellar tucked beneath the street with all the…read morehidden mystique of a secret society. Wine and secrets - what more could you want? This hidden gem is actually a very good wine and alcohol shop. The stock is dynamic and always very impressive. Not such a good place top pick up some cheap plonk but then life is far too short to drink bad wine. If you are on a budget there are often a lot of good deals on; last time I was there it was twelve bottles of some nice French for £75 - not bad at all! They also house a great range in beer and cider from breweries local and further afield.

Monica's is a really friendly and helpful corner shop in Cotham. Seemingly family run, the…read moreshopkeepers are always extremely polite and will help you find what you want; they've even let me put posters up in the window in the past. Those with kids might like to know that there's a little toy stand at the back, selling small gadgets and action figures. They also sell a selection of homemade curries and fresh pastry items, which are reduced towards the end of the day.

Monika's is located in Cotham, Bristol. It is a small convenience store which is open until late,…read moremeaning it is great for last minute alcohol dashes or chocolate fixes! They always have deals on for alcohol, such as 3 bottles of wine for £10 which easily rivals the big chain supermarkets. There is a good selection of products, ranging from fresh bread, fruit and vegetables to packaged foods and tins. As Lisa pointed out, they also supply a variety of homemade curries which are really very good for their price. The exterior of the building is a little off putting though. There a lot of posters and various adverts everywhere which is a bit overwhelming, however don't let this put you off as the owners are really polite and lovely, and more willing to help you as you look for things.

The humble corner shop. I had always assumed they had…read moreincurred the name for straddling the corner of two streets. Now I have realised (or rather, decided) it is because they are the corner stone of city living. As frequently as I discover the need for crisps and chocolate bars at 3am, a new corner shop appears. Something gives me the feeling, however, that No 1 - the new off license on Gloucester Rd is here to last. Having only been here for six or seven months I am already close friends with shop owner, Prem. One of my favourite features is the impressive array of sausages and cold meats. Where else can one buy a whole mackerel in a vacuum wrapped bag for just £1.79? And what better to wash down said cold meat than with fine local ale. The selection of beers and ales from England and Europe is extraordinary and reason enough to visit. Herein lies the defining feature of the shop - the off license. The shop is absolutely packed with every rum, whiskey, vodka and cheap wine you can imagine. Open until 2am on the weekends this shop is always busy and for good reason.

No. 1 Off License? ... Really? Maybe No 1 on Gloucester road... well the south part of it anyway!…read more The choice is pretty varied, and you are not restricted to just finding alcohol as their name suggests, it is more of a news agents, or a convieniance store if you will, with some meats, cheese, milk, newspaper and magazines available. It would probably serve itself better being called the no.1 convieniance store within the local vicinity of south gloucester road... not so catchy though is it? Friendly inside, and a highyl practicle shop... just not no 1...

Nicholas on COldharbour Road is a fantastic haven for alcohol-consumers. The shop itself is so…read morelarge, it feels like an alcohol emporium- so much space to frolic and find the suitable alcohol you desire. They have large quantities of everything - usually not the rare stuff, but the typical things you would expect to find. However, their selection of wine is impressive and there are loads of offers available.

Really lovely independent off licence, selling locally sourced and award winning products, wine,…read morebeer and coffee mainly! Great place to go for a boozy pressie or a tipple for a special occasion! The guys in there clearly know their stuff and are happy to share their knowledge and help with recommendations. Just cracked open today's treats!

Grape & Grind is an independent off-licence for the connoisseur on Gloucester Road…read more I've been purchasing drinks for special occasions from there since it opened a few years back. Whether it's a good bottle of vino for an important dinner or a fine bottle of grand crew cognac as a Christmas present for Grandpappy it caters for all your fine alcoholic needs! Most (if not all) of the stock is of independent high quality brands. From awarding winning 6 O'Clock Gin and accompanying tonic waters to locally brewed, critically acclaimed Wiper & True ale, it is a true treasure trove of tipples! I've swung by on a Saturday afternoon on numerous occasions to pick up a new treat to try on the evening! I've also purchased a number of presents for friends and family from there over the years. The guys at G&G are always keen to help. For example I know little about good whiskeys and brandies and they have always come through with the goods, usually coming up with a few suggestions based on taste and budget. It's also worth noting that the 'grind' of Grape & Grind is because they also sell various coffee's. I've never purchased any coffee but it looks great! G&G is a real gem of an off-licence. Highly recommended for a special quaffable tipple!