So we all know that we should buy our food and magazines and sweets and drinks at independent…read morestores. We do all know this. But sometimes we just can't be bothered - and this is pretty much where the Tesco Metro comes in. Seeing as I live approximately three minutes from this store, I do find myself here much more regularly than I would like to admit. It's really convienient, it's not too expensive, and contrary to Catriona's review - it has a great variety of products. In all the months I have been frequenting this store - there have only been a handful of things that they haven't had. Whether you're after pasta, wine, fruit and veg or pizzas - it's unlikely that you'll be disappointed. Plus, the staff are really friendly and helpful. Well, at least they are to me - but that may be because I spend so much time there that they practically know me by name. Maybe I need to spread my wings a little bit.

I hate you Tesco... oh! More?…read more Since our society runs on convenience juice, Tesco have hoovered up almost every ass end corner store known to man in the GLasgow Metro area. I swear to the lord Jeebus, that I'm currently unable to walk more than 10 mins in any direction and not be met with a small/medium or large Tesco. But that's just the way it is. Neither totally awesome or frightfully woeful, Tesco is just there and sells stuff that you need to buy, when you need to buy it. Hmmm, would that work for their next advertising campaign? Tesco, we're there and sell stuff you need to buy, when you need to buy it.... Adress the royalty cheques to Mr D.

Aby's is a run-of-the-mill corner shop…read more There is nothing out of the ordinary here. We got two nice rolls for our breakfast this morning and the guys inside are nice and friendly. Worth popping in if you're walking past!

Aby's is a decent little corner shop on Duke Street, selling the expected selection of groceries,…read morenewspapers and confectionery. Among the many newsagents on the street, Aby's has quite a lot of competition nearby, however it stands out as one of the friendlier stores offering good food offers, fresh rolls and recent newspapers. All in all, everything you could ask for from your local newsagent.

Great supermarket, large with lots of choice. Lovely helpful staff. A particularly nice cafe there…read moretoo as the design makes it quieter than the usually noisy ones in other branches. Friendly people serving and with the usual excellent choice of vegetarian food which you don't get in most other supermarket cafes. Close enough to walk to from the town centre although there is a large car park.

A good sized supermarket, just right for the people of Largs…read more It has good offers and there is plenty of choice. The car park is usually very busy as people also park here for free parking and then walk into town, so can be difficult to get a space. Nice cafe and also clean toilets.

I totally agree with what Lewis said about needing more friendly shops, and this one is certainly a…read morebreath of exotically-scented fresh air. The neatly stacked boxes of fresh produce outside the door drew me in immediately. Inside there is a fairly big Halal meat counter with lovely cuts of meat on display. There were a few other shoppers in when I made my visit, perusing the shelves of spices and picking up fruit. Some of the stuff I have never even heard of, to be honest, and it was a bit of an education for me. The staff do seem to be friendlier than the norm and asked if there was anything I needed help with. I didn't even realise this shop was new, but I hope it does well.

Hakims is great if you're looking for an ingredient that is a little bit more exotic than what you…read morewould find in your local Tesco. They have a huge range of fruit and vegetables, spices and rices. A little bit more unusual is the fact that my friend comes here for her cosmetic fix. Coconut milk is the only thing that she puts on her skin and tells me that since using it her skin is the best it's ever been. It's also allegedly very good for your hair so she slaps it on as a night time conditioner. I'm yet to try these tips for myself but I keep meaning to so next time I pop by coconut milk will be first on my list.

This is a really handy little newsagents just around the corner from me. Admittedly, I only really…read morego in here once a month in order to renew my trans-card for the bus, but still every time I've been in the staff have been very pleasant and chatty. Even when I was loading with the cold and coughing and spluttering all over the shop. The prices seem very reasonable and definitely no higher than they should be. In saying this, my usual order is: a one zone monthly trans-card; a can of diet irn bru and a fredo. So, I've not exactly went to town in here. However, on the odd occasion when I have gotten other bits and bobs all's seemed in order. Although, I did get a rather strange reaction when I get more usual order, checked the price of their cough bottles and then asked for one at the last minute. Not so bad - I know - but my cough was hiding at that point and I did look rather rough, hungover and apparently like a cough syrup abuser. Oh dear.

Wow, Holmlea Road and Clarkston Road are just full of handy little shops like this one, I'm just…read moresurprised they can all stay afloat with all the competition. I have to say that this one is probably one of the best as it is open 365 days a year! I lived in a flat on Clarkston Road a few years ago and although I don't smoke my old flatmate was like a chimney. It was the evening of New Years Day 2008 and she had run out. She was getting cranky and there appeared to be absolutely nowhere open, which is understandable on New Years Day. We took a stroll further along Clarkston Road and Cathcart Mini Market came up trumps. She was able to pop in for her cigarettes and the day way saved, hurrah! This shop is also quite a bit bigger than most other newsagents around the area so if you are looking for something and can't find it in any other newsagents then pop here as chances are they'll have it!

My favourite newsagents in this vicinity, Moby's guarantees you service with a smile and…read moreacceptably-priced every day goods; a rarity for Byres Road. Despite being little more than a hole in the wall, Moby's also offers an impressive range of local newspaper from across the entire country.

I love going to a Chinese supermarket and rarely walk out without buying anything. I've actually…read morebeen to Lim's a few times and really quite like this store - although it obviously can't compete with a store the size of Seewoo. This is a two aisle shop with a lot of stuff crammed in there and they have all the stuff you'd expect to see - sauces, noodles, tinned food as well as some fresh/frozen stuff in the fridge and freezer. This time I managed not to buy anything (well, we were going to dinner at Banana Leaf so I thought it was kind of pointless) but I definitely recommend popping in for a browse. The prices are very cheap and the staff are helpful if you need to find something in particular. They also have some very cute waving cats in the window.

The window of this little supermarket is crammed with ornaments and trinkets such as buddhas and…read morecarved jade jewellery. Most of the products in here are food, so it is a great source of real Chinese food, and I would definitely reccommend it over Tesco or wherever. Chinese beer and homewares also occupy a small corner of the shop and everything seems of high quality. The staff are all very smiley, making you feel at home in the shop. Prices are not bad, but better than expected given everything is probably imported. An interesting wee shop.

You'll find the City News newsagents on Renfield Street next door to Pret a Manger. It's quite a…read morelarge newsagents, and boasts a good selection of papers and magazines as well as sweets, chocolates, drinks and crisps. It's ever-so-slightly dark and dingy in there - it could probably do with a good clean - but you'll find pretty much exactly what you went in for, and at a less-than-extortionate price. Do remember that the man who works there is a man of a few words - so don't expect to be greeted like an old friend.