With supermarkets these days thinking we cannot be trusted to have sweets beside the till, McKays…read moreis a sweet tasting trip back to yesteryear. The walls are jam packed with bottles and jars, bags and packets of any sweet treat you could wish for, just waiting to be weighed out and enjoyed. It is amazing how such a tiny place can fit so much in, also selling a good variety of tobaccos for those that way inclined. Yes, it is aged, dark and tiny, but regardless it is rockin.

Until I decided to Yelp about it, I didn't actually know the name of McKays, I only knew it as…read more'that wee shop at the end of the Arcade that does the lovely sweets', and that's probably what I will always call it, to be fair. Really centrally located, McKays does a roaring trade from people out shopping, or others on their lunch hour who work in the town and want to pop in for their newspaper, magazine, cigarettes, or just some of the lovely old fashioned sweets, bon bons, gums and treats that you can get in here. It's really small inside, so you're better looking at what's on offer through their window, which bulges with goodies - if you have a sweet tooth beware, you will do yourself some damage here...

Well that was a nice surprise!! Me, my mum and my 3 year old son headed here on a Saturday morning…read morefor the candy workshop (purchased on a whim from a well known voucher site) not expecting too much apart from maybe some free sweets! The man who was taking the workshop-one of Aunt Sandra's nephews, calling himself Willy Wonka's cousin, was hilarious! The workshop was bunged but he took the time to speak to every group individually and made everyone feel involved. I'd highly recommend this to anybody who like sweets, history and a good laugh. It's suitable for all ages and interests. Along with us were family groups, older couples and a hen party (which I thought was fab!) So sad to hear Aunt Sandra has passed away.

Great customer service in here…read more Loved the wee story I got about the crisps chocolate on my last visit. I like being able to see the sweet making in action through their work room window. Had a toffee apple today. Was nice and fresh and packaging wasn't all sticky. Also good stick didn't fall out. Toffee was a bit think so took a good strong bite. Perhaps would have been better smashed against a table first. Lol

Thorntons in one word rocks! They do the most amazing chocolate! And something I never knew, until…read moreI received one, is that they will inscribe names or messages onto things made out of chocolate, to give them that personal touch! I received a chocolate campaign bottle with 'Happy Birthday Magz!' written on it-so thoughtful! They do chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs too during that time of year! The newest thing which makes Thorntons even more amazing is their chocolate fountain! Oh Yes! You can have it poured over strawberries and ice cream or have marshmallows dipped into it! It is too good!

Thorntons is a cracking shop. This one in Castlecourt is probably the first one I ever went to and…read morestill is my regular stop when it comes to gifts that don't really need much thought! It's a deceptively big shop, as it stretches far back into the walls of the shopping complex. The best thing about this store is its chocolate fountain. For a small amount of your hard earned cashed you can get a box of choc covered strawberries which are always welcome in the part of the world known as my belly. The prepacked selections are a perfect gift if your in a rush.

I have never left Stewart Millers empty handed. I'm not kiddin', honestly. It's like some kind of…read moremagnetic force which leaves me completely helpless and powerless, removing all inhibitions and barriers which prevent me from purchasing extreme numbers of goods from this fave store of mine. Or maybe that's just me shopping normally... Anyhow, Stewart Miller is a bargainous store which is primarily a newsagent and confectioners, but is also a bookshop, cardshop and toyshop. I've found books for peanuts, excellent sweetie deals, and, when I was younger, it was my first stop for TY Beanie Babies (remember those?! I still have an absolute ton of them stashed away in my wardrobe...couldn't bear [excuse the pun] to part with them quite yet). The Holywood store is undoubtedly my favourite. The toy section is huge, and they are genuinely well-priced (not always super cheap), top-quality playthings. The card section is extremely well-stocked, with a huge variety to choose from, and at reasonable prices. The book section is my favourite - I've gotten presents for my mum and dad for next to nothing, and even picked up a football book for £1.99 from £12.99 today, and I've found travel books for a fiver. Oooh, its a good 'un.

I'm lovin it. This gem on the Holywood main street has some of my favourite everyday treats -…read moreglossy mags, cold drinks and chick lit style books at very good prices. It also keeps the kids very happy as it has the best selection of football trading cards I've ever come across. My favourite thing about Stewart Millar is the magazine and comic selection. One whole wall of the front section is given over to mags and comics which means that I can happily browse Marie Claire and 25 Beautiful Homes and the kids can look at the Beano (yes it still exists) and Shoot! before making our choices. And there are none of those shouty 'This is not a library' signs either. At the back of the shop are the toys - good selection of lego- and books. The books are worth a particular mention as the prices are great. Some of the not quite latest releases can be snaffled at Tesco-esque prices which certainly floats my boat. There's a good selection of kids books too, especially quite unusual activity and pop up books which are always good for Christmas presents. All I need to do now is stop accidentally calling it Stuart Little which makes the kids fall about laughing every time as Stuart Little is of course a talking mouse. It's happened, I've become an Embarrassing Mum.

This is a great wee place! If you're a cookie fan and love a bit of variety you will love it! They…read moreoffer a wide variety of cookies and they're priced at a moderate £1.19 each. Or you can buy 5 fro £4.95 or toe for £8.95. Tempting! They also offer a huge range of over 100 milkshake flavours from the traditional such as chocolate or strawberry to the wacky such as cookies and milk! So far any I've had have been great! The place itself is aptly named as it really is just a box with no seating so definitely a eat on the go kinda place. But worth a visit for the cookies which are fab and big! Its situated on the door of the new Victoria Square so really is at the heart of the hustle and bustle and favoured by shoppers galore! I love popping in and getting a bag of cookies to take home for later...always eating at least one on the way!!

There are some places in the world that guarantee you will want to visit them at some point in your…read morelives. Sydney Opera House. Eiffel Tower. London. The Cookie Box. You just have to. It's got cookies, and milkshakes, and coffee, and tea, and milkshakes, and cookies, and milkshakes. Ok so the selection isn't huge. And if you are mad after a slice of pizza or a forkful of lasagne then you won't get it here. However, if you want the finest milkshake in Belfast, this would be a good start. I remember making them with a blender back in my day and there began my craving for milkshakes. As I was on like a year detox, I came across this place and thought "you know what? I can do this". I had one. And another one. And now I want more. I'm not quite going to go on a rampage, but I'm not far off it. The cookies are nice, soft and there is a massive selection. There is an even bigger selection of milkshakes. And if it becomes my goal in life, I will try to finish this entire menu. Despite it's hideous location down a side-street, it is fantastic.

Great chocolates and other sweet treats! Very nice selection and customer service. It is too easy…read moreto get to from the office. They really need to add a moat or a wall of fire to make it more difficult to get to, the chocolates are nearly impossible to resist.

Delightful, delicious, scrumptious, yummy, heavenly, divine, flavorful, flavorsome, good-tasting,…read moreheavenly, appetizing, delectable, delishok - now I'm running outta descriptive words and have broke my thesaurus!! Anyhow - I am a self confessed chocoholic - therefore I love this shop! If you are you will too - #ChocolateHeaven #LoveIt

Definitely my idea of a great delicatessen with a fantastic selection of meats, cheeses, jars of…read moredelicacies, fresh olives, fish, pates, salads and everything else that you hope to find to complete a gourmet feast for a special treat. Among other things there is high quality bacon and locally produced smoked salmon. All sortsof specialised ingredients are likely to be here with things you don't find often such as the Canadian Clover Crest honey which I bought. The only trouble for me is that Arcadia is so far away up the traffic laden Lisburn Road though the longish opening hours are helpful. Mind you, perhaps it is just as well as I'd be overspending far too much.

Arcadia is quite possibly one of the best finds I have had the pleasure of discovering while…read morewriting my reviews. I'm not up on my deli / speciality foods, nor do I know my Perches from my Pollocks (apparently types of fish...yeah, I didn't know that either) but even I realised the extent of Arcadia's wonderfulness. Plus they sell American sweets. No longer was I interested in the Snappers or the Sea Breams (yep, more fish), the Gruyere or the Gouda (cheese this time)...I eyes were solely fixed on the sweetie selection. Picking up a packet of peanut butter M&Ms (I don't like peanut butter, nor do I like M&Ms), the feeling of the novelty of purchasing something that is so highly sought after over here overcame me. And so, they were bought for the grand price of £1.49. My sister, on the other hand, eyes popping out of her head, was visibly distressed by the varied and unusual choice of confectionery which lay before her. Well, Willy Wonka was the lucky man this particular day, and she selected a packet of 'Wonka Nerds'. And now I am officially going to immigrate to the USA. Ohhh, these are good. These are really, really good. Tiny drops of wild cherry and watermelon explode with flavour the moment you pop them in your mouth and start chewing. It's been nice knowing you all...I'll see you on the other side. (Of the ocean).

This spot is a fun place to spend a couple hours while exploring Belfast. Various vendors selling…read moretheir goods. Fresh fish,coffee, pastries, fruits & veggies etc. All sorts of gift items such as hats,scarves,shirts,jewelry,sea glass gifts (met the sweet artist) Wuite the array of goods! Fun browse There was even a musician playing Irish tunes

This market is well know for sundar gardening so I went on Sunday morning. Try cute and unique,…read morefilled with art works foods and drinks. Plenty of options for foods. Traditional (mostly) or international & lots of local coffee shop. Some stalls can have a long line since it makes to order and that can take up to 30mins for more. Most folks are just chills and seat back and relax with their families or friends. For me, it's a small market but great vibe and definitely go there on Sunday to see the true local social life.

I was here for the Yelp event and I will definitely be back. The shop is very quirky and the ice…read morecream is incredible! I had the malteser sundae...delicious. You should try it, you won't regret it :) There is a huge range of ice cream available and you can have it as sundaes, milk shakes or as it is. The menu is massive, and really affordable. I wanted it all. The staff were really friendly too. Can't wait to go back here for another ice cream feast.

Was in here today to get some ice cream. Lovely spacious bright parlour. Retro decor and cosy big…read moreretro sofas to sit in. Fonzies sell ice cream, hot nuts, ice cream floats, popcorn and lots more also tea and coffee, decaff available too. Prices are decent and a great selection of treats to choose from the bright colourful menu. Juke box playing retro music in the background is a bonus. Friendly staff. Kids high chairs available. Will be back..