Sainsbury's Local on Watergate St is in a useful location within Chester Town centre, it is a…read moredecent size branch, obviously, you can't do a weekly shop here but the selection is A-OK in terms of essentials. The store has two entrances, the front entrance has a staircase (with a lift) and escalator, or if you let the staff know there's a back entrance. The staff seemed really friendly and happy to help, which was good. Considering, this is only a "Local" store, they did have a good selection of fresh meats, I picked up some excellent quality turkey, and they also have a bakery section. The checkouts were easy to use and simple. They are missing a trick by not having a coffee machine here though, especially as Tesco Express' town centre store (and Superstore) does, so it would be useful, but I dislike Costa Coffee anyway which most coffee machines seem to use. 4* - The extra star is mainly for the friendliness and the helpfulness of the staff, while the selection is OK.

Too easy to stroll down into the cool temperature and laid back atmosphere of Corks Out. And too…read moredifficult to leave and not be tempted to pop back during a tour of the shops. The selection of gins gives plenty to think about and the expert advice helps, and the self-serve wine tasting is a cracking idea. Quick break and then back later for rhubarb gin

The shop itself is gloriously unchanged compared with its original look/interior because it is part…read moreof a medieval set of buildings. This suits it very well, as it's a sophisticated wine merchant, also selling some rare spirits. The lighting and shelves used bring the place up to date and add a modern touch without compromising the original character of the place. Service isn't proactive; you do have to ask for it if you want it, but having said that, they do come up trumps when you do seek assistance; you will certainly get a nice wine, although prices are a bit higher than Nicolas over the road, because they have rarer/more prestigious stock. In terms of the spirits section, they sell some rare/hard to find brands such as Belvedere citrus and orange vodka, Mozart white chocolate liquer and a selection of miniatures. Recommended for someone who knows their wine and has a generous credit card!!

Costco is one of the few things that has moved from the USA to the UK with little to no changes. A…read moremembership only cash and carry superstore with an ever changing selection of products in ever category from clothes makeup and medicine to food and drinks. The highlights to costco are the little sample people dotted around the warehouse giving away and trying to get you to buy their new favourite product of the day. or the £1.50 hotdog and drink at the end of your trip. Don't be fooled some of their products are great value some are not. keep a eye on promotions. Also don't visit if your in a rush as the queues can be massive.

This is a membership only (around £30) shopping warehouse…read more It has everything from electrical and household goods to spectacles and photo processing. The bakery section has some fantastic muffins and you can order a large personalised cake for around £11. Other departments include butchery, cameras, catering and cleaning, confectionary, delicatessen, furniture, garden, grocery, hardware, health and beauty, books and toys and fresh produce. Once you have finished shopping you can sit instore and enjoy the pizza or jacket potatoes which are reasonably priced.

Tasty and cheap. The guy behind the counter was friendly and helpful. We had no problems with a…read morecustomized order, and there were lots of vegetarian options! Really great, easy lunch.

Wonderful, clean deli, set in a truly beautiful location on the River Dee. Apart from all the usual…read moreeclectic gourmet items in packets and jars (and there are plenty of them), Bailey's main attraction is the range of mouth-watering goodies on display in the window - being freshly-made pies and pasties of all description (to be eaten hot via the in-store microwave - or cold) at very reasonable prices, at about the £1.45-£1.75 range. While you're waiting for the food to heat up, take a look at the Welsh whiskey (whisci?) as a possible take-home souvenir, as well as hand made chocolates, Welsh Oggies, chocolate slices, cakes, pastries and the local dairy ice-cream. You'll pile on the calories just by browsing. As a vegetarian, I can't wholeheartedly recommend the meat products, but to be fair, there are plenty of those too for those who do indulge. Take away teas and coffees are also available - with plenty of benches to sit on in the street outside, for you to enjoy your purchases.

Finally a Greek restaurant in Chester! We had a few…read morewonderful meals there already. Good, honest home cooked food and wonderful hosts. People here really properly cook it, not just deep frying everything or re-heating pre-cooked and pre-packed meat, like the most even expensive restaurants do this days. Try their lamb - it melts in your mouth. And the best baklava i have ever tried for dessert served with ice cream!

You can't go wrong with great cheese. Ask if you don't know staff are great…read more The guys here stock a wide variety of cheese, crackers, chutney and many other little bits and pieces. If there is something that takes your fancy or you just need a hand choosing your latest and greatest cheese board. It's not the biggest shop in the world but sometimes good things come in small packages. Prices are middle of the road to high but you get what you pay for. It's always nice to get some good cheese and this is a great place to fulfil that need.

A very wide selection of cheeses from which to choose, including a featured cheese of the week…read morewhich you can try. On my visit it was an Argyle Cheshire. The excellent selection of different chutneys and oils pushed this shop higher in my estimations and when I saw they had a handful of real ales on the bottom shelf I was in dreamland (and 4 stars became 5).

Bread always fresh and a great variety. Pies fantastic hot or cold and cakes delicious and my…read morefavourite is a vanilla slice which is so big and full of custard you cannot eat it without a plate to catch the bits that ooze out!