I'm a fan of Lidl for their fresh fruit and veg plus the fantastic bakery counter which offers a huge selection of breads and pastries. Although I'm not usually one for pastry items, I can't but help purchase a delicious Danish or Maple-Pecan Plait every time I visit.
There's a good range of wine, and as Lidl is a German store, some exciting products from Europe and around the world which aren't easily found in other Northern Irish/ UK supermarkets e.g. European biscuits, sweets, chocolates, Turkish Delight and roasted-salted chickpeas etc.
Where Lidl disappoints, is in the limited range of vegetarian and vegan foods. There are a few veggie items such as the occasional Quorn product, frozen pizza and one option of sweetened soy milk. I would however love to see more veggie options and dairy-free milks, yogurts and cheeses.
There's a cheap selection of household cleaning products but I'm happy to pay a bit more for ethical, environmentally-friendly and not tested on animal products, so I don't tend to purchase cleaning products which don't fulfil this criteria.
Being a discount store everything is displayed simply on shelves or in large boxes. There's often an interesting array of random stock piled up in the centre of Lidl which can include anything from cheap art supplies, gardening equipment, clothing and kitchen utensils to exercise equipment etc.
Ultimately Lidl is interesting and nice for an occasional visit, as a change from my regular supermarket. However I wouldn't do a full grocery shop here... read more