This was my trusted pharmacy as a student at the university a few years ago, mainly because it's…read moreright in the middle of the university precinct and just a hop, skip and jump (if you're well enough; if not, a stagger) from the student health centre. It's very friendly, the pharmacist is eager to advise and reassure, and it's got a lovely, villagey feel to it that is hugely comforting for students away from home. It's also got useful bits and bobs like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and general first aid stuff. I'm glad small pharmacies like this one still survive in a world full of Superdrug and Boots on every corner. Sometimes a local familiar pharmacist is just what you want.

Although this is a chain store, the place is so intimate and friendly that it feels like any other…read moreindependent pharmacy. The pharmacy stocks more useful things than other pharmacies, which are typically stocked to the ceilings with random and completely useless children's toys. They have racks of leaflets which are good to read while you wait for a new prescription and provide vital information on common diseases, symptoms, viruses etc. The staff were happy to chat and advise you on the latest products of the pharmaceutical world. The Co-operative Pharmacy is down the road from the Student Health Service so is the place to go if you need to get a prescription. The only problem I had was that there was not much privacy because the shop was so small, so everybody knows your problem.

There's something slightly Harry Potter-esque about this Homepathic and Allopathic (traditional…read moremedicine) Pharmacy on Whiteladies road. It reminds me of the Wand shop Harry visits on Diagon Alley, with boxes stacked up ceiling high.... Also, like Harry Potter, the shop keepers know exactly the right treatments to ail your malady. If you believe that Homeopathic medicine could do the trick, Buxton and Grant have a great range of products.

There's something very nice about this pharmacy - I think it's the very old and traditional style…read morethat remains - there's a feeling that this place could fit right at home . My experience of pharmacies have thus far been big, bright places like Boots, but Buxton's has got a charm of traditionality and low lighting. They specialise in homeopathy, so offer alternative remedies than may be suggested by your GP. The pharmacist I talked to was very helpful and willing to give her time. They're a well known business and have a very good reputation for postal services of obscure remedies that are difficult to obtain. A very good establishment.

A great pharmacy in the centre of the village. It is so much more than a dispencing pharmacy though…read morealthough that is well maintained and equipped. The service you receive is always prompt and efficient and the drug you require is usually in stock, if not, they will get it the next day. They do so much more besides, they offer a cholesterol and heart check, they do diabetes testing and you can also get them to check your medicines for you to put your mind that you know what they cover. In the other side of the store there is a huge range of toiletries and some great gift sets, and they usually have some really good offers on. A lovely shop.

Laura got me on to this little pharmacy type place. It is poifect for stocking up on essentials…read morebefore a festival. If you go to Boot's you often end up paying through the nose (although the advantage points and offers are some consolation) but at Savers you just get what you need, no frills, no tempting offers because everything is already so cheap. It sells hayfever medicine cheaper than anywhere else in town and there are all the main brands of shampoos, hair dyes and moisturisers etc at cut prices. I don't know how they do it but it's worth taking a detour if your toiletry stocks are running low.

Savers! A shop that's got the bare essentials of any big supermarket, at a discounted price. Sounds…read moregood already eh? I come here when I need anything for the home. They stock washing basics, toiletries, make up, baby bits, and now they've started stocking some food too! On top of all the things here that are already cheaper than usual, they always have offers on. The main draw are their prices; I just paid 89p for Vaseline, the new Loreal Perfect Colour 10 hair dye for £3.99, and 20 bin liners for 69p. It isn't as if you're getting lower quality for a lower price, as all their items are of known brands. A really great shop to save some pennies!

A small Boots compared to others in Bristol, but has a basic range of goods, food options and a…read morefull-service pharmacy. Only downside is the pharmacy closing at lunchtime, so time your visit to avoid disappointment. It's a busy location due to being so close to Bristol Uni.

This branch of Superdrug is great for finding discounted products if you're getting low on the…read morepennies. The bargain bin is usually full to the brim with slightly dented bottles of shampoo, hair dye, foundation and the like. And after festivities such as Christmas and Easter, you'll find a range of very cheap festive chocolate on sale - this always gets me very excited. Staff here are friendly, and you'll often find some East Street flavoured communal banter taking place in the store.

Superdrug is basically a nice sized cosmetic store, selling things ranging from shampoo, medicines,…read moremake-up, baby supplies, drinks. Some great offers are usually on on bathroom essentials, awesome stocking fillers galore! Many compare this to boots, or call it a cheapo boots but honestly, I think they stock more products and at way better value. Who am I to moan at that!?

Cotham Pharmacy in Clifton village is old fashioned in the best possible sense. Unlike Boots or…read moreSuperdrug, I always find that a word with the pharmacists here is as good as going to see the doctor as their medical knowledge is just as good. Not only are they patient and understanding, but always willing to help. As well as providing cures for your ailments you'll also find shampoos, shower gels, hair brushes, cotton wool and travel sweets. (These are a bit more expensive then you'd find on the high street, and is the only downside to the Pharmacy). It also doubles up as a Post Office - what more could you want!

Tiny inventory, famously locally for rude staff (the place is something of a running joke in the…read moretown - it's the place to go when you want to get yelled at), and startlingly over-priced. With alternative pharmacies a few feet way offering cordial services and product price typically 50% cheaper than this place, best to take yer business elsewhere.

This is a bit of a weird chemists - don't go expecting it to be anything like Boots. I went in the…read moreother day to get some safety pins after a complete mind blank on where would sell them. Luckily they had some in stock, but I'm pretty sure I got ripped off, having to pay £3 for a few tiny bits of metal. The shop itself is pretty large once you get inside, there are plenty of sections covering all the standard stuff, so you'll no doubt be able to find what you're looking for. In terms of it being a bit weird, well, there's a basket full of unwrapped toilet rolls by the door with a sign saying 4 for £1, at the cashiers desk where you would normally expect to find cough sweets and lip balm they have a stack of flavoured condoms (on special offer, I might add) and the first display you see upon entering the place is showcasing what I can only imagine are adaptors for some kind of pump device.

This shop fits East Street like a glove. One of many dicount stores in the area, Savers is a great…read moreplace to go for cheap toiletries. If you revel in bargains of the buy one get one free variety, this is the place for you. Boasting a multitude of special offers on goods such as facewipes, soaps, shampoos and the like, Savers definitely gives Boots a run for its money. You could certainly get carried away in this little shop, swimming around in those bargain bins. (Me? No!) So if you're planning a holiday to warmer climes, and need to stock up on essential beauty items, Savers will save the day.