When it is present time for one of the girls in my family I go to Castlehill Candles. I do not know…read morewhat it is about candles but girls love them, especially scented ones, I suppose it candles are to women what catnip is to cats. Is it the scent? Is it the shapes? Or is it the mysterious flame? Who knows, I do not think men will ever be able to explain it. Anyway, Castlehill Candles is an original scented candle maker that's is located on the Ards Peninsula. It is a family owned business and has developed many unique scents over the course of the last 25 years. The making of these candles is completely original, they offer smells for any moods or rooms in your house. My house smells how Willy Wonka's factory looks but has much better fire precautions due to the amount of candles. Because this is a factory outlet the candles are offered at a discounted rate and it is better to go directly to Catslehill Candles rather than stockists. The staff are really helpful and will wrap candles as gifts which always makes the present seem even better.

There always seems to be a prospective customer in this shop being advised and guided through the…read moreextensive stock of chandeliers, wall lamps, table lamps and standard lamps. From outside looking in the profusion of glass, gilt, burnished metal, feathers and twinkling crystal on display in this Aladdin's Cave of shiny wares, along with various other interiors accessories of pictures frames, ornaments and mirrors looks enticing. Closer examination shows that although the stock is brand new, House of Lights caters for very traditional tastes. There are also lampshades for sale in various colours and you can find lightbulbs of every type in here which is useful if you're flummoxed as to where to find an unusual bulb for a novel lamp from a certain Swedish furniture store. I had to exchange said light bulb three times before locating the right one but in they were most accommodating about my errors so thanks to the convenience of House of Lights and the helpful staff I got there in the end.

Its rare to find quality light fittings, certainly in the big chains where your lucky to get a…read morecouple of years use before they break, the lights inside are stylish and top quality, one of my most unusual projects I bought to restore was a 7ft tall fiberglass statue of liberty "impulse buy" it had a cheap orange flashing light on it that looked like it came off a tractor, I got a glass flame off the internet but was stuck for what type of bulb to fit, they suggested a flicker bulb which fits a normal bayonet fitting, it worked perfectly and only used a few watts electric. Great for getting inspiration on projects like desk and table lamps too.

Located opposite Urban Outfitters…read more Good place for gifts. Have quite a few local items. Expect to pay on certain items more than standard retail due to the handmade aspect. Lots of wee cute toys etc for kids. Also lots of house soft furnishings. It's the sort of place you would like to buy lots of stuff you don't need but it looks nice. Lol Lots of chalk paint colours can be bought in here. The shop is packed with gifts etc. You have to hoke a bit as its jammed packed with things laid out on wooden dressers and tables etc. It's a bit kitch compared to just browsing the rails. Shop has a sort of Cath Kidston feel about it.

Went to this shop 3 times on 2/06/22, each time lights were on in both shops but doors were locked…read more Despite standing knocking on the doors we could not get an answer.

Shankill Furnishings is another of the businesses in this area to have benefited from a recent…read moreregenerative scheme to improve and update the shopfronts along the road. The sign has exactly the same design and lettering as Shankill Bedrooms a few doors down but as I was told by the lady in the shop, the two shops are entirely separate. It's another small local furniture outlet which is pretty squeezed for space. There is a selection of dining and living room furniture including some of the imported Mexican pine variety but basically the stock does not differ much from other outlets of a similar size.

It's labelled as a Garden Centre, and they do sell plants and saplings, and Christmas trees at the…read moreusual time of year, but I think they could do a lot better in here. It's a local family run fruit and vegetable shop, but it's a bit old and tired. I know the important thing about a fruit'n'veg shop is the freshness and quality of the produce, and I will get to that, but I think if they gave this place a face-lift it would invite people in a lot more and encourage them to spend more. It hasn't changed in all the time I've known it. As for the produce, it's fine. It's quite well-priced too, reasonable and affordable. They don't do a massive wide-range of veg, you won't see anything unusual here, which is a shame because I think they would get more custom if they branched out towards being a little more 'gourmet' in their approach. For a local Fruit'n'Veg shop, it's fine.