Back in the good old school days, this newsagents was a 'Day Today', and supplied me (and the rest…read moreof the school at that) with endless amounts of sweets, chocolates, magazines and anything else vital to life at that stage. Since then, Rae has taken over, tidied the place up and gone for a modern twist on the traditional newsagent style...minimalist. Sure, I love roomy shops as much as the next person, and you avoid that awkward 'oh no, she's standing right behind me looking at the shelf, which is also directly behind me' banter, but surely these places would look an awful lot better with more than one copy of a magazine, and a few more chocolate bars? I must admit, I was severely disappointed, and despite noticing the £1 card section on the back wall, the sheer tidiness of the whole shop, and the fact that I picked up the last 'Look' magazine, Rae's wasn't really doing anything for me at all. In fact, I almost wanted to clutter the place up a little. And that comes from one of the tidiest people you will ever meet. Nice staff though. That always slightly redeems a place...

Apparently newsagents are a dying breed. Particularly in this part of the world, and even more…read moreparticularly on the Belmont Road. Where there used to be three solid newsagents on the same street, now only one remains - Dawson's. RIP Campbell's and that other one whose name I cannot remember... The lone ranger, Dawson's is a great, friendly wee newsagents, with a good variety of papers and magazines, a decent array of confectionery, an ample number of cards, a few stationery bits and bobs, and a fridge full of iced goodies. Oh, and always, always a smiley face. I've been served by the most polite, affable assistants (though they are many and varied), who are always so incredibly pleasant. Perhaps its in the job description, but I don't care...it's wonderful to see a lovely beaming person behind the counter. Happy days. Literally.

Boulevard is a proper newsagents, it sticks to what it's good at and that's convenience. I think…read morethat's the reason people came up with newsagents isn't it? Course it is! Anyway, Boulevard will sort you out with all your essentials. It sells Lottery tickets, Cigarettes, Newspapers (a selection of magazines) and a few household bits and bobs like dog food and washing up liquid. It has an in store ATM too which is pretty handy as there are two takeaways and a deli next door that are cash only. You can park pretty much outside the door of Boulevard too - perfect for picking up something quickly. It doesn't have a huge amount of stock and the ATM was out of order when I visited so that's why I'm marking it down slightly but don't get me wrong I like Boulevard and see it as a key cog in the community.

If you're in a rush, heading to get your train and then realise....damn I need a newspaper, soft…read moredrink, sweets or other snacky things then this is your place. I've been using Great Victoria Street station for many a day and I always need to stop by this little newsagent for a coke and the paper. Rail News not only has a clever pun but a solid range of magazines and local/national newspapers. I used to call in and buy a can of proper man coke and Kerrang magazine back in my younger days (I wouldn't read it now if I was paid). These days it's the Time, The Irish News and a bottle of diet coke (See, see how I've grown up) Prices are typical of shops in the area, they are quick and have what you need. They also stock a range of sandwiches if you're in need of a bite and nowhere else is open.

I must admit, I don't usually go in to book stores, when I am going to buy a book I usually head…read morestraight to Amazon but today after having breakfast in the Botanic area I was walking back to my car and I thought I would call in to No Alibis to see if I could pick up a book I had been recommended by numerous colleagues. On entrance No Alibis seemed cluttered and I couldn't immediately locate the section I thought the book I was looking for would be in. It certainly wasn't as clear as the Amazon search results. Anyway I struggled on and eventually came across the 'business' section at the back of the store. After having a quick sift through the books it became clear that they didn't stock the title I was looking for. With that I was about to leave but then I thought I'd ask the lad working there if she had seen/heard of the book. It was then my experience took an amazing turn for the positive. The helpful lady immediately consulted her 'book database' on the computer and immediately found the book. Unfortunately she didn't have it in store but she was able to reserve it for me and have it ready to be collected on Monday - plus it was cheaper that it was on Amazon. What a result! It was look old meets new! If you're looking for a book for study or leisure definitely pop in here - even if they don't have it they can source it for you. I also noticed they sold some unique pieces of local art. Hopefully this main stay of Botanic will be around for years to come!

I'm an English student so any bookstore is a good bookstore as far as I'm concerned. This one…read morehowever is independent of Queen's but has a very close relationship with the students and the staff. Despite there already being a bookshop owned by Queen's, many would recommend you try here first as if they don't have it, they will guarantee you it with their next delievery. It could be either that or the fact the people (whose names escape me yet again) are exceptionally friendly and have a real passion for their job. I have been in browsing before and soon i was sitting down with some friends having coffee and discussing books... pretentious possibly, but it's almost certainly the bookstore that makes me want to sit and drink coffee and talk about books. I dont even like coffee either. Very very very helpful, very friendly and a must for anyone who requires a good book