I am always a big fan of places where the items on sale feel like a random collection of things…read morethat someone has collected over the years......If you are a fan of one offs and items with charm this little place in the Custard Factory is well worth a visit. You can pick up furniture and household items right through to clothes and accessories if you are not afraid to have a bit of a rummage. The things on sale here change all the time so it's not the kind of place I go looking for something specific. This is more a curiosity shop type vibe to browse through and discover what it is you went in there for along the way.

Generations is a boutique specialising in jewellery accessories for Asian fashion. They have an…read moreimpressive range of jewellery that has been displayed in a sleek and elegant style, which is appealing for passers-by (at least that's what lured me in!) They offer virtually all you could need to complete an Asian-look: simple to heavy earring and necklace sets, tikkas, anklets, toe-rings, bangles, hair accessories, belly chains and nose rings. However, a lot of their jewellery is adaptable to Western fashion so can be worn with just about any outfit, especially their earrings. If they don't have a bangle design in your size then they have a pre-order service, which was useful for my mum who has an unusual wrist size. The staff are helpful and friendly, although the prices are a little steep in comparison to nearby jewellery shops. However, their range is impressive and trendy.

I usually design my own Asian clothes, which can be as intricately planned as I wish thanks to a…read morefabulous haberdashery that never fails to offer amazing embroidery ideas - Khattak Textiles. They are the largest stockists I know of in the city that have Asian embroidery strips, buttons, iron-on readymade embroidery and decorative jewels for fabrics (sequins, diamante and beads). The shop was renovated not long ago, which is a welcome change! Previously it was difficult for more than three people to cram in to the congested and untidy shop. Now, it's been opened up so you could see the range of products they offer. They also have rolls of fabrics like satin or velvet, material for table covers, cushions and curtain accessories. The shop is now managed by the son of the owner, who seems to have developed a knack for customer service. He offers discount without you even asking and makes a concerted effort to find exactly what you're looking for!