Bells were a well known chain of north east based local shops which were taken over by the big…read moreSainsburys a couple of years ago now. I must admit that as this is my local shop I dreaded the change, the place was okay as it was, served most peoples needs. However the change has been greatly accepted the addition of Sainsburys value ranges and special offers have made the place come alive. Now I don't just nip in for a pint of milk I actually take time to look at what is available and have picked up some bargains along the way. Only complaint is that they run out of newspapers far too early on a Sunday morning!

This is a handy mini Sainsburys on Corporation Road in Darlington. It has a good range of goods and…read moreI find this store really helpful if I should be going to the supermarket for some bits and bobs on the way home from work but can't really be bothered! It has a selection of most of the ranges and you can often grab a special offer or well reduced item. Also I can pick up Nectar points from a local shop!

East West cash and carry is an Asian convenience store / mini supermarket / cash and carry…read moreThere are only a handful of these specialist stores in the town and this is the best one. Never buy spices, Indian herbs or any Indian cooking ingredients from a supermarket as you pay way over the odds and for such small quantities. Practically all of the customers who shop at East West are Bangladeshi or Indian and they also supply a number of restaurants and takeaways. They get a delivery of fresh Asian vegetables every week (normally on Monday) and their in-shop butcher looks after the Halal meat side of things. It's great to try all of these Asian vegetables as they are cheap and if you don't know what to do with them the shop owner are happy to help or just have a look on the net. They have about 10 large chest freezers what are full of Asian fish and other special foods. I buy my mutton from here as these Asian supermarkets are practically the only places that sell mutton. Mutton is great for curry or any slow cooked meal and it is cheaper than lamb. If you have not shopped in one of these places before then it may be a new experience at first as sometimes when I shop here I have to step over the odd guy who has just unrolled his mat out for one of their many prays they do each day. Also don't be put of by the untidiness as this is how they all are, In general, shop here for all of your ingredients, don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure and give the supermarkets a miss.

This is a very handy spar shop/post office in Haughton Village in Darlington opposite the village…read moregreen. It is a few doors up from the White Horse pub so if you can't get parked on the road outside, you can always pull into the pub car park. The post office staff are very helpful and informative and, in my opinion, a trip here can save tangling with the crowds and queues in the main post office in town. The shop is well stocked and you are likely to find most things you would expect from a local shop.