For a smaller in-town store this compares well with the out of town DIY centres. Good level of…read morestock, and advice is given freely

It has everything that I could possibly want for my house. For real! I love everything in there…read more They have amazing stuff from tableware to woodenware, textiles and enamelware, from glassware to tea pots, jugs and mugs on a shop with such a nice decoration and pleasant staff that makes a shopping experience being so good. The shop is really cool, on a building with a lovely colour and all the wonderful things are organized in a neatly and tidy way that makes it even harder to resist. Ok, I couldn't decide on what to buy (luggage restrictions - but good for my wallet, otherwise I would just bought everything!!) so I had to go one second time to check again and buy as much as I could! Thus, two times on the same day and they already knew me! Oh well, is just the way it is, but they were friendly, chatty and their product knowledge is amazing. So, feel free to go around, buy all you need (and what you don't need but there are so many awesome things that is just impossible not to) and try not spending all your money! Totally worth it.

Utility is a fun little shop selling all those household items you didn't realise you needed until…read moreyou walked through the doors. Their philosophy is supplying goods that are both attractive and hard waring, the name of the shop and the idea being drawn from WWII rationing. They have a large range of bakeware, storage pots, utensils, dining ware, aprons and tea towels. Some items even come with explanations in case their use isn't obvious. I came away with a couple of old fashioned preservation bottles and a nifty little device to stop teapots dripping - a highly original Christmas present and lots of fun while the recipient tries to guess the function of said gift! The shop owner is really friendly and loves a chat as you browse. They also have an on-line shop if you're not local but still want to check out what they have to offer.

Amazing range of tools, and friendly staff member Nicki was very helpful. Would definitely…read morerecommend!

Tinkers is actually two shops, occupying next door premises in the heart of Seven Dials. This is…read morereally the upmarket version of Ransoms on London Road, and a similarly wide range of goods are available. One shop seems to concentrate more on 'classic' hardware items - paints, nails, sandpaper and the like. The next door shop is more oriented towards general homewares - pet foods, haberdashery, toasters.....it is difficult to see how such a wide range of goods is available in two very small shops, but they manage it. The friendly staff will help advise you with anything you need, and although I'm not sure how long it has been there, I get the impression this has been a local institution for some time.

I stayed away from UD for many years because I assumed that they would be super expensive for…read moreeverything [I think they quoted us for fence panels once and they were priced as if they were made of gold, but it was windy season] but when doing my kitchen renovations they were invaluable - they had things in much smaller quantities than Wickes [you could buy individual washers instead of a pack of five, for example] and the staff were knowledgeable, and friendly. Parking is a let down here, but otherwise it's a nice little shop with a lot going on inside.

This place is really a builders supply centre for the trade but they welcome the general public…read moretoo. They have tools for every occasion and unlike the local DIY shed, they made to last and the staff can explain how to use them. They also have a massive range of quality wood and other products which make them the first stop for me when I'm starting a project. Helpfully, they will deliver to the local area if you can't fit your purchases in your car. Their a bit more expensive than the local DIY shed, but there's a clear reason for this. One word of advice - avoid the 'boy' in favour of being served by the older staff... he takes ages to serve you and doesn't yet always know what he's talking about. Brilliant place in all other respects.

An excellent traditional ironmongers run very a very helpful chap, an aladins cave of useful items…read morefor the home at garden all at sensible prices

There are 2 of these shops pretty much facing each other either side of the street. One sells…read moreeverything garden and DIY related. The other selling a fantastic range of cook and houseware. Both are definately worth a look as they are like little aladdins caves, full of treasures and certain to have what you are looking for! Staff are really knowledgable and are happy to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction if you are stuck. Prices are reasonable, no more expensive than anywhere else in the town and generally I've always found there is a really nice atmosphere to both shops.

Anyone into a bit of light bondage? If so, this old…read morefashioned hardware store sells a small but sturdy selection of ropes, chains and padlocks. Go shopping there in your leathers though and you might risk giving the old men that run it a heart attack. A family run business since 1856, M L Banfield is a quaint hardware store where they still use pen and paper rather than computers and give you hand-written reciepts. They stock everything from locks, keys and door knobs to lights, letter boxes, hand tools and ironmongery. They also offer a locksmith service.

By far the best hardware store in the area. Puts all the chain stores like Homebase and B&Q to…read moreshame with their amazing standard of service. It doesn't matter what sort of DIY your trying to do there is always someone there who has the necessary knowledge to help you. It's only a small store but they make the most of the space and it's packed full of stuff, which although not as cheap as the superstores is worth it for the back up you get. The most handy thing they have is off to the side of the store. If you want wood cut to size they have a wall mounted cutter and will happily cut boards and planks to your exact requirements. I've not been here in some time but they certainly know their stuff and it's worth using them over anyone else in the area.

If you're anything like me and you think you can manage any home improvement yourself to save a…read morepretty penny or two, then you might want to know that there's a couple of Jewsons in Brighton that can save the day. There isn't anything that they don't cover, from bathrooms, kitchens, fixings, painting, decorating, plumbing, heating, joinery, ironmongery.... If its all a bit overwhelming then do what I do and get one of the helpful staff to frogmarch you to the aisle and shelf you've been looking for. I've been in here countless times recently to fix a door, find a new tap and choose some tiles with friends. Is it sad to say admit that coming to Jewson has been the highlight of my weekend?