Sells some good things, although they are too on guard as me and my friends all got stopped while…read moreleaving for "stealing" they searched us and still found nothing. Most things are one pond or just over so I would say that it is overall okay other than them making some mistakes.

I actually really like coming here. The draw of things in a store that only will cost you a one…read morepound coin is quite strong. Whether it's washing up liquid, shampoo, batteries, cat food, assorted peanuts, or even milk, you name it and they probably have it here which makes it great if you're in a rush and need a random list of things. You of course have to choose carefully about what things are value for money, but for example, 12 AA batteries for a pound is pretty good. There are so many things here, and with staff that are actually surprisingly friendly, it's a shop I first think of going to when I need something. The only time I didn't get what I needed was when I was looking for a big round screw bulb - they had all other kinds of bulbs though. So next time you're in a rush and are racking your brain for a shop that might have a random item that you really, really need.. maybe give Poundland a go.

Other people here have mentioned the hardware store on one side (they mix Dulux paint which is very…read morehandy by the way) but I just want to mention the garden centre which is on the separate building across the pedestrian/cycle path (which reminds me - do note the different coloured bricks and cycle images on the floor and watch out for cycles). The garden centre is pretty well stocked for peripherals, but also has a nice selection of instant colour seasonal plants as well as some fruit and herbs for kitchen gardens. Their willows and topiary are a bit old fashioned and I would recommend going to a specialist nursery for trees (try Chew Valley Trees) but this is great for a gardening hit in town.

This sprawling department store feels like one giant throwback to the 1970s. The design is dowdy,…read morecome here after going to Ikea for a real shock. You'll hear very British muzak plays over the speakers, interrupted occasionally by an announce who kindly reminds you to validate your parking when paying for your goods. Quaint to the point of being weird, and also almost always completely empty. Enough of analysis of the style of the shop, I should probably tell you if it's any good. There are sections for homeware and DIY, as well as a garden centre. You can get more or less anything for the home, a few things you didn't know you needed, and a few things no-one would ever need. There's an entire row of various things for your milkman to leave the milk in, to give you an idea of the range. It's not that cheap unfortunately. I think all there costs must go on the staff (who are very helpful), of which there seem to be a greater number than there are customers most of the time.

This place has a fantastic stock of original antique and reproduction fireplaces, including both…read morethe inserts and the surrounds - plus wood-burners. I found this shop when I was looking for a Victorian fireplace for my previous flat, and it was just the job: they had a fireplace with a cast iron shelf, so no need for a surround - exactly what I needed to bring my lounge back to its original glory. If you don't find exactly what you want, however, they can custom build surrounds to match your exact requirements, and they also offer a repair and restoration service if you have an original fireplace in need of some TLC. They offer a (fairly pricey) fitting service, which is convenient if like me you're no handy DIY expert.

Some fireplace places make you feel like a proper doofus every time you ask a question. Not Period…read moreFireplaces. What a friendly, genuine, helpful bunch. We're about to get a hearth, surround and woodburner from them, and use their installation service, plus get a small bedroom fireplace repaired and restored, and it's been a joy dealing with them so far - will update once all work complete. Update, Sep 2013. All the above work was completed to our total satisfaction and we've also had them restore a second cast iron fireplace - back to black, with a slight repair and replacement bars, it looks as good as new. Great service from a highly recommended company.

Although billed as a garden centre, there is an important attitude here that lifts it above the…read morepansies and roses standard stuff and nearer to a proper nursery - they have a policy of trying to use mostly local growers. This means not only do you get some unusual plants making it a horticultural goodie bag for gardeners, but you also get plants that are used to the local climate. Plants range in size - there are some great specimen plants here to have a more instant garden feel as well as cheaper younger plants. All are in great condition with plenty of roots to the point where if you choose wisely you can split them and get two plants for the price of one. They have a bargain corner of those which have gone over but will come back in a few seasons or with a good pruning, so if you know your stuff then you can pick up a real bargain. The plants area outside is set out in handy sections - so if you have a shady corner where everything you plant dies then head to the back and there is a whole section of plants that will love that area. The staff are very happy to help, knowledgeable and perpetually cheery. The garden centre-y bit is well stocked, with the focus on what you can use now well-displayed. The cafe is always busy as the owners know that nothing goes better than pottering round a nursery with friends is to sit down and natter afterwards.

Cooperatively owned, Riverside Garden Centre is much better than it's more commercial peers…read more They've got an excellent (Bristol's largest, in fact) array of plants, both indoor and out, with a bargain section that I keep a sharp eye on. The emphasis is on locally sourced stuff, so you're unlikely to get something flown in from South Africa that's going to die within a fortnight. The staff are all chipper and friendly, and will answer your questions no matter how basic they are. The views over the River Avon and of the Suspension Bridge really are second to none. Add to this a café with absolutely scrumptious cake and you've got somewhere that's worth a visit even if you're not planning to pick up any plants (though that's not to say you won't).

This place is amazing! The food is sooo good especially the meat balls and hot dogs I really like…read morethe fun colors and the plushies I also find that the room displays are nice as well I really recommend coming here as they have something for everyone!

Ikea is an excellent furniture shop and everyone knows that but this review is about the food…read moreaspect more. The salmon was just plain and had no seasoning. The chips were cooked to the perfect degree and the carrots were just carrots. The apple pie is why this review is only 3 stars, it was like a solid block of cold apple with a glue consistency and didn't taste like a fresh apple pie. The food was fairly priced. If you don't like the sound of kids being loud I definitely would not recommend going to the Ikea restaurant around lunch time! This review is only for the food I ate.

There are obviously a plethora of charity chops around Bristol (and indeed here on East Street…read morealong) and generally speaking what you get in each one from day to day is down to the luck of the draw. This one, however, is a bit different as it concentrates solely on home furnishings and electronics. Basically they've gone to the trouble of selecting all the best donations of this kind and stocking them here. Because of the extra trouble they've gone to the prices are perhaps a little higher than your average charity shop, but they are saving you time and the money of course still goes to a good cause. If you need some home furnishings, this is one of the few charity shops in the city that it's worth traveling a distance to have a good browse in.

The British Heart Foundation is a national charity that supports research, prevention and care of…read morethose with heart diseases. A specialist charity shop where they have gathered together all the electricals and furniture donated into one big shop. You can pick up toasters, TVs and a bed all here. Items are very good quality and all electricals have been tested.

One of my favourite shops on Gloucester Road, La Ruca is filled with ethical and tasty treats…read more Among their stock they have a whole host of herbal teas, hundreds of aloe vera products and vegetarian friendly sweets. But the best thing about La Ruca is it's range of fresh Mediterranean foods from stuffed vine leaves to garlic olives. The warm, friendly lady behind the till always has the energy to raise a smile and wish you a good day - which is one of the reasons I love La Ruca.

A good place to take your vegan/veggy friends for a light lunch or coffee and cake the cafe carries…read moreon the hippie feel of the shop downstairs using organic and fair trade ingredients plus lots of gluten free options. It has some nice Spanish original foodstuffs. The shop is a surprisingly useful with a choice of the Ecover products and a ridiculous selection of tea of the flowery kind.

Such an astonishing showroom!! The fireplaces they have in stock are beautiful and the staff are…read moreextremely knowledgeable and prepared to answer any questions. Would definitely recommend them to everyone!

From the owner: Retailers and importers of unique handmade Indian furniture. Ranging in designs from Retro and…read morevintage through to Industrial. Manufactured in a variety of materials to include Mango wood, Teak wood and raw industrial Steel. Simply lush furniture