For a smaller in-town store this compares well with the out of town DIY centres. Good level of…read morestock, and advice is given freely

This is the original "can do" shop. It is like the tardis the amount of stuff these guys have is…read moreamazing. I have yet to go in there and not walk out with what I was after. From fork handles to four candles they will have it. I dare you to try. All your hardware needs in one place. More fun than B&Q and with a smile a brown dust coat and a paper bag.

There are 2 of these shops pretty much facing each other either side of the street. One sells…read moreeverything garden and DIY related. The other selling a fantastic range of cook and houseware. Both are definately worth a look as they are like little aladdins caves, full of treasures and certain to have what you are looking for! Staff are really knowledgable and are happy to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction if you are stuck. Prices are reasonable, no more expensive than anywhere else in the town and generally I've always found there is a really nice atmosphere to both shops.

An excellent place packed with bits and bobs for work around the home and garden. This is a gem of…read morea shop and one that I hope will thrive for many years to come. They have a paint mixing station which saves a trip to one of the DIY superstores and they always offer good advice

Best hardware store in town, knocks the socks off Dyas. The staff are full of great advice offered…read morein a non-condescending tone. This store typifies why independents are great and need our patronage.

An excellent traditional ironmongers run very a very helpful chap, an aladins cave of useful items…read morefor the home at garden all at sensible prices

I stayed away from UD for many years because I assumed that they would be super expensive for…read moreeverything [I think they quoted us for fence panels once and they were priced as if they were made of gold, but it was windy season] but when doing my kitchen renovations they were invaluable - they had things in much smaller quantities than Wickes [you could buy individual washers instead of a pack of five, for example] and the staff were knowledgeable, and friendly. Parking is a let down here, but otherwise it's a nice little shop with a lot going on inside.

This place is really a builders supply centre for the trade but they welcome the general public…read moretoo. They have tools for every occasion and unlike the local DIY shed, they made to last and the staff can explain how to use them. They also have a massive range of quality wood and other products which make them the first stop for me when I'm starting a project. Helpfully, they will deliver to the local area if you can't fit your purchases in your car. Their a bit more expensive than the local DIY shed, but there's a clear reason for this. One word of advice - avoid the 'boy' in favour of being served by the older staff... he takes ages to serve you and doesn't yet always know what he's talking about. Brilliant place in all other respects.

I've spent many a Saturday afternoon popping down to Grieves when I've been doing a touch of DIY…read morearound the house. It's wonderful to have something like this just around the corner when you need a particular type of screw, tool or appliance to finish a small project. I've bought new light switches, wood stain, Unibond for tiling the bathroom walls and even cleaning products. The gentleman in here is very friendly and knowledgeable so just ask him if you're not sure what you need.

By far the best hardware store in the area. Puts all the chain stores like Homebase and B&Q to…read moreshame with their amazing standard of service. It doesn't matter what sort of DIY your trying to do there is always someone there who has the necessary knowledge to help you. It's only a small store but they make the most of the space and it's packed full of stuff, which although not as cheap as the superstores is worth it for the back up you get. The most handy thing they have is off to the side of the store. If you want wood cut to size they have a wall mounted cutter and will happily cut boards and planks to your exact requirements. I've not been here in some time but they certainly know their stuff and it's worth using them over anyone else in the area.

If you're anything like me and you think you can manage any home improvement yourself to save a…read morepretty penny or two, then you might want to know that there's a couple of Jewsons in Brighton that can save the day. There isn't anything that they don't cover, from bathrooms, kitchens, fixings, painting, decorating, plumbing, heating, joinery, ironmongery.... If its all a bit overwhelming then do what I do and get one of the helpful staff to frogmarch you to the aisle and shelf you've been looking for. I've been in here countless times recently to fix a door, find a new tap and choose some tiles with friends. Is it sad to say admit that coming to Jewson has been the highlight of my weekend?