Spice Corner is a visual delight, a cacophony of spices, pulses, herbs and fresh vegetables. After…read moregetting the urge to create his own curry from scratch, my Other Half embarked on a mission to do just that. Spice Corner was his savour when selecting the mixture of mainstream and more obscure ingredients required. I don't think there is any herb or spice that the stall does not stock. The aromas that waft from the stall are fantastic, it makes me feel immediately hungry. The lady that served us was fabulous. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all things spicy, she guided us into finding what we needed, whilst also interjecting her own hints and tips. The prices are significantly less than the brands that rip you off in the supermarkets. So much better value, and the quality is incomparable. The stall resembles somewhere that I would like to shop, grocery shopping with personality.

Spice Corner is on a corner and sells spices! It has a pretty vast range of spices and…read morespice-related ingredients in packets, pots, boxes, jars and tins. There are also lot of packets of mysterious looking dried bits and bobs, bread, dates, some fruit and vegetables and dried and fresh herbs. The signage is much neater and clearer than many of the poorly signed stalls in the market and it packs a huge variety of products into a tiny shop. Prices are pretty cheap here and the staff are friendly and informative. At Spice Corner you're sure to find all the constituent parts of a good home-made curry and several new and unusual ingredients to try!

Super Shandez is a large convenience-type store selling a huge range of Asian foods including a…read morelarge variety of herbs, spices, nuts, tinned food, sweet pastries, condiments, sweets, halal meat, grains, pulses...the list goes on. Someone with a limited knowledge of Asian food (like me!) could spend ages browsing the well-stocked goodies, tempted to try just about anything! For the local Asian community this must be a great shop, selling so many ingredients and foods that are missing from the British equivalent. Though speaking little English the friendly woman there tried her best to answer any queries I had was very helpful. Due to the huge variety of products here I'd be very happy to call this my local shop!

The ideal one stop shop for all your nut needs! They really do have a spectacular range of nuts,…read moredried fruit and seeds. Imagine my delight when I was given the task of making my Gran's Christmas cake last year. My Mam had taken my offer of help (given in July, the haze of Summer generosity a distant memory), very literally. No matter, for The Nut Shop came to my much needed rescue. Armed with a few recipes gleaned from various chefs online, I approached the market stall with a mixture of trepidation and dread. I think the lady behind the counter sensed my fear, and offered her services. After explaining my plight, she masterfully directed me to the necessary ingredients required to create the festive treat. The nuts and fruits that I bought were very reasonably priced, each sealed in individual little packets. With my confidence restored, I even treated myself to some dried apple rings for the walk home! I noticed that The Nut Shop also sold cake decorations, gelatine and other such items that may be omitted from the shelves of other shops. "How did the cake making go?" I hear you cry! It went magnificently. My Gran was particularly complimentary about the moistness of the fruit. I am not sure whether that had more to do with the full bottle of brandy that was poured over the cake in the weeks leading up to Christmas, or the quality of the fruit. Judging it on the latter, my Gran's praise is the highest accolade The Nut Shop could ever wish to receive.

The Nut Shop doesn't just sell nuts...oh no! For anyone that loves making cakes...and most of all…read morepimping them, this shop sells loads of cute little trinkets to make any cake look extra special - bride and groom figurines, anniversary-related decorations and loads of very pretty artificial flowers among many other items. They also sell a wide range of cake candles in many styles and ribbons to go round the edge of cakes. The nutty part involved a pick 'n' mix area of yummy looking nuts and dried fruit - the healthy alternative to the many sweet shop pick 'n' mix's in the market. They also sell a wide range of herbs and spices, trays and tins and jam pot covers among an assortment of food and cake-related bits and bobs. They also have cake stands for hire! I love The Nut Shop for its unexpected mixture of things for sale, all of which look yummy or just a lot of fun!

A. J Afro Caribbean (Foods and Veg) in the market is an absolutely delightful place. It epitimises…read moreexactly what is so fantastic about markets such as these. Selling a full array of Caribbean foodstuffs, including seasoning, scotch bonnet peppers, plantain for cheaper than you'd find it anywhere else, and dried fish for £6. As somebody who absolutely loves the firey sweet and sour flavours of the Caribbean, this place is a jewel not to be missed.

I can't seem to walk past a health food shop without that distinctive smell luring me in. Herbalist…read moreis situated on Ludgate Hill, facing outwards from Leeds market. There is the usual range of supplements and natural remedies, vitamins and naturally sourced toiletries available. The staff were pleasantly approachable, constantly helping customers find a solution to specific ailments. Recently, my attention was drawn to the rear of the shop, and I noticed a little cubby hole that had previously escaped my attention. I poked my head eagerly into the space and the smell that assaulted my senses was staggering. It was packed full of spices and dried herbs for use in cooking. If ever you are having difficulty tracking something down for a recipe, visit Herbalist. There were names on some of those packets that I have never encountered before. Leaving with some tea to help you sleep deeper and some turmeric, I conceded that I really am a sucker for that health food shop aroma.

Bought an item which later turned out that i would fail a drug test in my sport, went back the next…read moreday to exchange it and also buy some proteins, Staff was on the phone when while i was in the store, gossiping and told me to come back in 3 days for the other staff member who originally sold me the product, which is fine but then she didn't even bother asking what else i wanted to buy or even try and upsell, she could have gotten £75 off me if she asked what else i wanted.She was rude, grumpy and not at all friendly, not a single smile. Very disappointed service The telephone number for the store, I have rang it loads of time and no one ever picks up!

Thanks to Runcible's review, I went here yesterday and bought two juicy 10oz sirloins for £11. I'm…read moreclueless when it comes to steaks, so I just asked the moustachio'd chap behind the counter what he'd suggest, and it resulted in the tastiest steak I've ever cooked. Melt in the mouth it was. And that's not because I'm a particularly good cook Cheers for the tip off, shall come here for all my meat requirements from now on!

I implicitly trust my friend Runcible when it comes to businesses like this…read more Amazing meats. I always have to buy a scotch egg or two when I visit. Super friendly and knowledgeable.

I love this little shop. They sell an excellent range of herbs, which is usually the main purpose…read moreof my visit, along with a good range of wholefoods and related items, also bird food for our feathered friends. A proper little Aladdin's cave. The staff are always lovely and incredibly helpful without being remotely pushy. It's like stepping into a rather lovely alternative universe for a while. A visit to this place always makes my day brighter.

I have been on a bit of an anti diet recently. I know girls are always meant to be watching their…read moreweight and trying to loose some. I on the other hand am doing the reverse. I needed to bulk up a bit for some training and somebody suggested I try protein shakes. This place has a great selection of health supplements and herbal fixes. The lovely lady working there that day spent ages with me talking through all they had to offer and even suggested a few things that might be of use. Needless to say I left with lots more than I intended to buy but you cant put on a price on health can you.

On entering the shop, my eyes were met with a beautiful array of fresh, organic fruit and…read morevegetables. (Or venchtables as I used to call them, until I was embarrassingly old enough to know better.) Large wicker baskets full of apples greet the customer, many having the all important bonus leaf. It truly made me want to pick them up and start skipping through a nearby meadow, wearing a flowing dress and possibly conversing with tamed animals. Too far? Forget it. A former vegetarian myself, I understand the convenience of having somewhere like Out Of This World to rely on in a city centre. It means being able to purchase items which are sometimes not even stocked in the larger supermarkets, to maintain a balanced diet without being forced to use unwanted substitutions. Too well stocked to be a health food shop, Out Of This World falls into the category of health food supermarket. There is a huge range of the usual nuts, seeds and pulses; but also a surprising number of Traidcraft toiletries, recycled stationary, hair dye and household cleaning products. Alongside fairly traded tea and coffee, vitamins, supplements and natural remedies, the store also caters for sufferers of restrictive diets. There is a varied selection of groceries for people who have to omit gluten, wheat and diary from their nutritional intake, and a large number of vegetarian and vegan ready meals. One reason why I particularly like Out Of This World, is because they stock Samuel Smith ale and lager. A real favourite with my Other Half and I, they provide us with a constant hoard. Bondgate Bakery in Otley supply the store with freshly baked loaves and buns, with gluten and wheat free alternatives available. A deli counter offers freshly made quiches, samosas and wraps - a handy lunch or a lazy supper. The staff are very approachable and were more than happy to assist me in finding a difficult item for a family member. What I mean by that, is my Gran was looking for bee pollen, because the lothario that she listens to on her local radio station had been praising its medical benefits. Any shop that can help me in my quest for bee pollen, has earned respect in my eyes.

This shop is the city centre's answer to Chapel A's Love Organic. It has been here ever since I…read moremoved to Leeds and as such is certainly one of the more longstanding stores in town. A lot of places have changed in what feels like a very small space of time, but not Out Of This World. I used to come here on Saturdays to purchase their organic milk and elderflower cordial for the bar that I worked at on Call Lane. It was always handy to stock up in case anyone wanted a White Russian, but really it was mostly to supply my need for coffee. Also, there is nothing quite as refreshing as elderflower cordial and lemonade. Seriously, it used to be my favourite drink. I love the smell when you walk in to this shop. It's not exclusive, it's that same smell most organic shops have, but it is lovely. The smell of good. Only goodness. Nothing in here can really be bad for you. At least, that's what we can believe until we learn otherwise! Within you will find, as well as hoards of organic foods, all sorts of enviro-friendly cosmetics, cleaning products (for you and your clothes) and much more. It errs on the expensive side if you wanted to do your weekly shop here, but it is sure worth buying that elderflower cordial. Yum!

Thankfully the area of Hyde Park and Headingley is blessed with a huge variety of indie shops,…read morecafes and restaurants. Hyde Park Exotic Food Store is one of those local treats. They stock a vast array of your standard fruit and veg - every staple item that you might need for your standard weekly shop - at very good prices. What's most exciting though is the fact that they stock, as you might have guessed from the name, an array of exotic fruits as well. This is particularly good as it can be extremely difficult to get a hold of anything beyond the ordinary in most of the supermarkets near by. Even something that I think of as reasonable common, such as Papaya, can produce listless open mouthed responses from the likes of Sainsburys staff members. A fun game - try purchasing 3 different fruits from here that you've never heard of/ne'er seen before and go home and make a smoothie from them. I haven't yet been disappointed! Although some have certainly been more successful than others.... Excitement in the form of fruit and vegetables. You know it makes sense.

With its rows of glossy mangoes, papayas and melons alongside the more typical bananas and oranges,…read moreHyde Park Exotic Food Store certainly lives up to its name and is the perfect place to stock up on more unusual ingredients. The fruit and vegetable selection is extensive, cheap and fresh, and the tinned and packaged goods inside provide many an entertaining hour puzzling over labels and odd-looking illustrations trying to work out exactly what they contain. If you're feeling peckish, go for the pakoras - they're 3 for a quid and some of the best I've tasted.

What an absolute treat, what an utter delight, what a fantastic edition to the greatness that is…read moreHeadingley town. One thing I have longed to see in Headingley was a decent butcher. We've so many fantastic independent little shops and cafés, it seems only right that such essentials as cheap quality meats grace our presence. I understand the convenience of such stolid forces, the likes of Sainsbury's, but I for one have been crying out for a cheaper, more local option for some time. Together, with R. K. Harris and Artisan Baker, the triumvirate of local produce has arrived. And what a force for good these three powerhouses are. I can now purchase my three main food groups (meat, veg and bread) independently, cheaply and within a few minutes of each other - how's that for convenience? And you can't top the banter neither. The last time I visited Headingley Farm Butchers I was delighted to purchase enough casserole beef to feed four, for a mere £3.50. Their chicken breasts are large enough to satisfy the mighty Thor, albeit non-free-range, though when I discussed this the friendly banterous butcher informed me that they are well kept. (Of course, he would be able to say anything but I'm inclined to trust an independent over a supermarket, right?) And once again, I believe I purchased two gargantuan breasticles for about £3 ish. Boom! Go here for meat. That is all.

Ordered a large number of ham hocks about a month ago, for a dinner party I was hosting. I ordered…read morethem way in advance to make sure they had them, I also left them my phone number in case there were any problems. They didn't order them, and they also didn't call me to tell me that there would be a problem. The most I got from them was an apathetic apology, apparently the rewards you get for attempting to support local business instead of going to a supermarket.