This branch of Iceland appears to be a recently refurbished store, it is a nice and pleasant modern…read morebranch of the chain, which is often associated with frozen foods despite being a supermarket chain, albeit one of the smaller supermarket chains in the UK in comparison to the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury's with the company as a whole only having around 2.2% market share. This branch is one of the rare branches of Iceland located in the city centre, located in Williamson Square in Liverpool, which is close to St John's and Lime Street Station. I called in the store to pick up some yoghurts to take back to my hotel room after being attracted into the store as it looked modern, with a mixed colour decor which was rather appealing, stating clearly above the range what it was the range was, as you can see from my pictures of the Frozen and Wine sections. The selection of most products was okay, especially for a city centre location where doing a full weekly shop is unlikely to be your priority, it had a good range of essentials in a store which is larger than your average Tesco Express (perhaps the same size as a Tesco Metro store), from snacks to dairy and bread, even an impressive yoghurt selection, including some yoghurts I have previously struggled to find elsewhere, like the new Munch Bunch yoghurts in a small 6 pack, I had a coupon for with Shopnium which I've been unable to use for a few days, so I was pleased to pick some up here today. The staff in the store didn't seem too friendly, the store seemed understaffed and the staff they did have didn't seem too helpful or pleasant. The staff also seemed wasted with one staff member, walking around like a headless chicken hanging out bags, in my opinion, this is not only a waste of a staff member who could be around the store helping customers find things perhaps, but the bags would be much better placed on the individual self-service tills, with Liverpool statistically having a considerably higher shop-lifting rate than the rest of the UK, it might be the store don't trust people to have plastic bags at the tills, because they feel people might not pay the government levy on them, or something else - whatever the reason it is uncalled for and truly inconvenient, especially when in a rush. This store however is a nice brand to have in a city centre, and is much more modern than other Iceland stores I've visited, often in smaller towns such as my closest branch in Middleton, Manchester, albeit not perfect with little to no free from range, and the staff issues mentioned do effect the store, but I do feel it is worthy of a slighty generous three-star rating and it is definitley an above average branch in terms of overall feel of Iceland.

Deli Fonseca is one of the few places that makes me wish I was loaded…read more A fab independent deli in Liverpool's business district, it's packed floor to ceiling with all kinds of mouthwatering goodies. The gigantic counter displays a myriad of delicious cheeses, hams, olives, pates, anti-pasti and salads whilst the nearby baskets display fresh sticks and loaves of bread. To top it off, they have dozens of wooden shelves groaning with all kinds of lovely store cupboard treats from organic granola, cereals and cookies to oat cakes, chutneys, olive oils, vinegars, sauces and spices. Now, where did I put that darn lottery ticket?

This review is for the upstairs restaurant area - and sadly it is not a good one. One Saturday…read morelunchtime, I popped in for a light lunch. Nothing complicated - in the end, I ordered a Greek salad and a plate of Serrano ham rather than the pricier mains on the blackboards. I'm not sure how two really basic things could be so disappointing. I think it's because on the surface, this looks like a place that prides itself on sourcing and attention to detail. On the specials during my visit were such items as hand foraged local samphire, Cumbrian lamb and Pink's award winning sausages. So why was the Greek salad about 50% raw onion? Why did it feature those mealy crunchy supermarket basics tomatoes, cold from the fridge? Even the black olives mentioned on the menu were green. And they clearly did have black olives in the kitchen, because my four slices of Serrano ham (almost £6) came topped with a single olive. They boasted it was "20 month aged" - most of it had clearly been in their fridge, as it featured a faint tang of refrigerator and managed to be unpleasantly rubbery. Not sure how Serrano ham can even go rubbery but there you go. If you've boasting of excellent ingredients then it's unacceptable for the basics to fail so badly. I wouldn't bother returning.

I'm not sure whether to go as far as calling this one of those hip cafes, but then again I am in…read moreEngland, and what I get here isn't necessarily going to be the same as what I would get in Australia. However, this place wasn't all that bad, though it is more like one of those cafes that you tend to find in the city than elsewhere (though you do find some pretty good ones in the city). However, I did really like this place, the service was pretty good, as was the pot of tea I got. The only thing that disappointed me was that they used ham for the eggs benedict as opposed to bacon.

Popped in here on Saturday whilst out shopping with my Mum and was very surprised to see how busy…read moreit was...and how much it's grown since last time I visited there a number of years back! It was absolutely chock full of very happy looking customers and there was a whole lovely new back room that I'm pretty sure wasn't there last time I was. The service was speedy despite the long queue and the staff friendly despite how busy they clearly were. The decor is lovely, my favourite elements being the giant chandelier and the vintage piano. The atmosphere was really pleasant; the overall vibe of the place manages to convey cool classiness and warmth at the same time. Although the bread of the mozzarella and chorizo panino I ordered was a little floppy and the chorizo a bit a bit too chewy it was tasty nevertheless and the tea I ordered was just right (and with me being such a tea fan you don't often hear me say that!). The cakes looked delicious as well...wish I'd had room for a slice! Will definitely be saving space for the chocolate and Guiness next time! I'm very glad I've rediscovered this hidden gem above Lord Street and will definitely not be leaving so long till my next visit this time.

Sainsbury's Local on Watergate St is in a useful location within Chester Town centre, it is a…read moredecent size branch, obviously, you can't do a weekly shop here but the selection is A-OK in terms of essentials. The store has two entrances, the front entrance has a staircase (with a lift) and escalator, or if you let the staff know there's a back entrance. The staff seemed really friendly and happy to help, which was good. Considering, this is only a "Local" store, they did have a good selection of fresh meats, I picked up some excellent quality turkey, and they also have a bakery section. The checkouts were easy to use and simple. They are missing a trick by not having a coffee machine here though, especially as Tesco Express' town centre store (and Superstore) does, so it would be useful, but I dislike Costa Coffee anyway which most coffee machines seem to use. 4* - The extra star is mainly for the friendliness and the helpfulness of the staff, while the selection is OK.

I've been to this Tesco location at Liverpool 3 times now. Every single visit has been great! You…read morefind treasures around every corner and the sales they have are really good. According to the locals, this is a bigger store than the regular ones. If I get a chance to visit a regular store, I'll confirm, lol. This one does have 2 levels, and you can take the lift (elevator) or the escaltors escalators. The escalator going down wasn't working the times I've been, but just walk down anyway. They have cashiers for check out as well as self check-out lanes. Prices here are awesome! I'm a huge fan of their bakery bread and the snacks. Their sparkling water game is pretty strong, too. Don't be shocked if I check in here again, lol!

There are Tesco's literally everywhere these days, none more so than probably in Liverpool city…read morecentre. If you're around Liverpool, Tesco's of all versions are dotted around places: metro, local, express, superstore. If there are any more, you'll have to let me know! The Liverpool One branch of Superstore is not actually the most super I have come across in Liverpool as there is one in Litherland which is gargantuan in comparison. However, Liverpool One Tesco is certainly what the town needs. You still have plenty of choice here, a variety of sections such as deli, clothes and international foods to keep you adding more to your basket! I find this place more of a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience as opposed to the Metro version by the big screen, because its more spacious and offers an abundance of products. The location isn't great if you're driving there as it'll cost you pounds to park somewhere nearby but certainly convenient when you have other chores to do around town.

If you are looking for good baking or a great breakfast in Liverpool, don't look any further than…read morethe Baltic Bakehouse. In a small rectangular space within the industrial environs of the Baltic triangle, Sam and Grace Henley offer a range of artisan breads made with organic Shipton Mill flour, counter top French, Italian and Spanish pastries, one of the nicest granolas I've ever tasted (with banana and yoghurt) and breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches. Two varieties of Has Been coffee are available by the pot and so seriously does this place take its brewing method that the coffee even comes with a timer! Despite the coolness of its moniker, this place will leave you feeling warm inside and out.

The first time my husband and I visited, we had just returned from France and were going through…read morewithdrawal from amazing croissants and breads. Our first flaky bite of Baltic Bakehouse's croissant proved the cure! Since then we have tried their pastries, breads, sandwiches, and soups and everything has been delicious. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the space is modern and cosy. I love that each table has a generous sized toaster on. Special favorites are the bfb, Baltic best, croissants, tomatoes and mushrooms on toast... but really, you can't go wrong! Make sure to get there early or order ahead of there is a special loaf you want, as they often sell out by lunchtime.

There are, unfortunately, not enough speciality booze shops in Liverpool - and I amaware how such a…read morestatement makes me sound like a complete p**shead, but hey ho I like a good tipple! Oddbins is sadly the closest we have in my experience of such a store but luckily this outlet does have a good selection of beers, wines and spirits as well as very helpful staff - a single, in my opinion, innocent question concerning whiskey lead to a half hour discussion on the subject, not a lecture mind but still... If planning a party, or maybe an important meal - to be on Come Dine With Me would have to include a stop here! - this is defo the place to visit.

Shiraz Merlot Clairet…read moreCabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Soave Pinot Noir Verdelho or Riesling? Whatever your choice of wine, this branch of Oddbins has a great selection of European, English and New World wines. Prices range from £7-£15 for a great bottle of red, white or rose but they usually have special offers on for around a fiver too. The staff are friendly and knowledgable and more than happy to recommend new wines if you're looking for something fruity, spicy, dry or sweet. They also have regular tastings on Saturday afternoons where you can sample new lines. The reason I've given it an extra star is simple: last time I popped in they were playing a classic Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra album. How many other off licenses offer customers sublime wine and sublime music? My point exactly!

This place gets 10/10 for knowledgeable and friendly staff! I shop here whenever I want a really…read morespecial bottle of wine for a special occasion and they're always soo helpful! They really do know everything about wine.. Inside out. I know nothing about wine, and this is obvious, but they never make you feel silly or patronised! Instead they put everything in layman's terms to help you find the right wine for your meal or occasion. They can even recommend a wine to suit whatever you're planning to cook for your dinner. They have a huge selection of different wines and their prices range from about £5.99 up to £50+ Well worth a look and getting a nice bottle or red for a treat, a present or a special occasion!