I'm going to make some bold statements with this place. First up it is my favourite shop in Acocks…read moreGreen. I also think it must be the best hardware store in Birmingham. Jeffries is a huge hardware business that stocks all the standard nuts and bolts plus a huge selection of outdoor planting, perfect for this time of year, and has a large gardening section at the rear of the store. Recently I was after some fence protector and after a visit to a huge DIY shop felt frazzled by the choice in products, colours and price. One trip to Jeffries and I got exactly what I needed, no fuss, a great price and I parked my car at the rear of the store to load up. I also recently discovered they do key cutting. They stock a wide selection of pet products. The beauty of this place is that they've always got what you need and know exactly what you are asking for. On the very slim chance they don't stock what you are after they know where you should go to get it. Amazing staff and service.

Need a hardware item for your garden and/ home? Take a look here as I'm sure they'll have it! There…read moreare lots of little sections in this shop like their garden hardware, animal treats and carpet sections. It was a nice little surprise when discovering each area here. In summary it's a big hardware store that sells all (or at least most) of the nuts and bolts you need for your home and they have a big garden centre. If they don't have what you want then the staff can tell you where to get it. The shop is mainly for people who want to buy anything to do with DIY for their home. I came in here in search of a few things for home and, I don't mean to offend anybody by stereotyping, as a woman in a hardware store I didn't know where to look first. The staff were friendly and polite enough however to put me in the right direction. If you need any hardware for your home and garden then it's worth giving this store a visit.

Gregory Pank is a good old-fashioned hardware store located on Digbeth Highstreet. The shop seems…read moreto be a bit of a hidden gem. It shouldn't be: this place sells probably just about everything a budding DIYer or seasoned craftsperson could want. When you enter the shop your nostrils are filled with the scent of DIY history. Whether you're after glue, polyfiller, drill bits or string (all things I've been in for) you need only ask one of the very knowledgeable staff at the counter and they'll scurry off into the depths of the store to find it (or suggest numerous alternatives if they can't).

Recommended to me by a person who works at Screwfix, White's is THE place to go for all those…read morethings you cannot readily find or get in your 'usual' DIY outlets. Based in the Gun Quarter, a ten minute walk from the City Centre, White's have a fantastic reputation for all the bits and bobs you need! In my case, I was replacing a few screws on the stand to my electric drumkit. I only needed a few items but getting them individually were proving tough. That's until this place came under my radar! Also, you simply have to go to this store to experience walking into yesteryear. This store is old school, like stepping back into a bygone era. Of course, as this place demonstrates, Birmingham is alive and happening! This can rightly be considered a microcosm of Birmingham's great industrial legacy and it's great to see this store doing so well.

I have popped in here a few times, when I have been in the area and always found what I have been…read morelooking for, which is usually something boring and home related - I think last time I bought a couple of plastic storage boxes (yawn!). The store is fairly large inside and stocks a variety of different items for home and garden as you would expect. I like the fact that the staff are helpful and friendly in here and I think that it makes such a difference compared to the, sometimes rather intimidating staff at the big chain DIY stores. They always ask me if I need any help or advice in here and they seem to genuinely want to help their customers. I have found that the prices are fairly cheap for a DIY store too, which is always a bonus. I would recommend this to anyone in the local area!

In the takeaway dominated section of the Bristol Road South, in Northfield, lies a rare commodity…read morein the form of Dennings Home Garden and DIY, which sells (you guessed it!) supplies for homes, gardens, and DIY equipment. A deceptively large store once you get inside, the name may initially sound like it's bitten off a bit more than it can chew, but it certainly makes a very good go at it. Numerous times I've been in looking to pick up one thing or another, and (unlike U2) have always found what I'm looking for. From plants to power tools and flooring to light fittings, you can assume that if you're looking for something in terms of DIY, Dennings will probably have it. Better yet, the shop has a charming, local feel, a much more pleasant atmosphere than the soulless chains, and the staff are always knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended.