Great staff - when they know something, they really know it, and even better - when they don't,…read morethey admit it! It's so refreshing to talk to salesmen that treat you like a human being, and that act like human beings themselves. I never feel like I'm being ridiculous when I ask about strange art supplies, even when I probably am, and whilst it's not always possible to fill those odd requests, I never feel stupid for making them. The selection on offer is enormous and wide-ranging, and pretty good for it's cost - I never feel like I'm being sold the cheap stuff at bargain prices, it's all at a quality that matches the asking price.

A good place to go for all your basic stationary needs. They sell your usual pens, envelopes,…read morepaper, diaries, rubbers etc... Be warned though, most of the items here are pretty basic, if you fancy a cute, or quirky notebook, I'd recommend heading over to Paperchase instead. Another thing to watch out for is that this store can be a bit pricey in comparison to places like Staples, and your local supermarket. Where Pen and Paper excels however, is in its art materials. If you're studying art in school, University, or even if you're a professional, this is definitely the place to go. The supplies are all of the best quality, and what's more the staff really know their product, and can advise you on what would suit your particular need (which you really wouldn't get at the large chain stores). Perhaps a little randomly, Pen and Paper also has a fantastic selection of jigsaws! Now personally I'm not particularly in to jigsaws, but if they are your thing, you'll just love this store!

Churchills has most things you'd need for arts and crafts although it is a small shop, paper and…read morecard is quite cheap although other things can be a bit over-priced but never the less staff are always willing to help.

For someone who is very interested in craft it has a lot of interesting stuff you may need at low…read moreprices. For student studying art it has all the equiptment you will need/want. Relativly big shop, has two levels, And the staff are very helpfull.

Crafty devils is one of the biggest independant craft stores in the country. They sell supplies for…read morecardmaking scrapbooking,cross stitch and also supply schools and groups with educational products. The shop itself is huge with a vast range of products and they also have a mail order service. The staff are knowledgable and helpful.

This is the place where the hole from the polo mint ends up…read more Recreate is an Aladdin's cave of scrap, stuffed full of things that sparkle and crackle, plus cheap as chips arts and crafts stuff to boot. With boxes and boxes of industry offcuts from see-through acrylic sheets to extra long cardboard tubes. The Recreate motto is "Reduce, re-use, recycle" and that's just what I did on a recent visit, purchasing a carrier bag full of soft drink 'can pulls' aka 'dragon scales' for a quid. Recreate also offers a hire service, equipment includes a badge making machine, giant Jenga, parachutes, a smoke machine and more. You will need to become a member to hire equipment but it only costs a quid for schools or individuals. Recreate is great for Wombles and those in search of material for an art project. Fill up a colourful customised trolly and pay with a pocketful of change. Just watch out if you're a magpie and leave plenty of time for scavenging and thinking up weird and wonderful uses for the odds and sods you'll find. Top tip: Sign up for the Recreate online newsletter and get alerted when the latest 'goodies' come in. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 5pm, Wednesday 10am - 5pm, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm

The Blue Gallery situated in joy Street is a small arts and crafts supplier. They have a good range…read moreof products including painting supplies, a cross stitch and embroidery section at the back of the store and craft supplies at the front. They do concentrate more on art and painting than the more 'fashionable' crafts such as cardmaking and scrapbooking so if you are after these then you will need to look elsewhere.

The selection isn't massive (it really is a very small store). However the staff are incredibly…read morefriendly, and they can usually serve your stationary needs. I'm particularly fond of them, as they absolutely saved me, when my dissertation was due in, and I was running late. They managed to bind it, and let me pay, literally in the space of a minute!