My future mother in law is a retired florist and recently I was asking her to recommend a good…read moreflorist as I wanted to get a nice bouquet delivered to my friend who had just had a baby. She very highly recommended Floral Designs in Bangor. As I don't live in Bangor I was quite surprised that she recommended somewhere away from where I live - their reputation is that good she told me. I rang up and made a telephone order for a bouquet with the total value of 25 pounds including delivery. I didn't get to see the order but the woman on the phone asked my lots of questions about the flowers I like and the colours I would prefer. I was very impressed and was willing to give them business purely on her telephone manner. My friends flowers arrived the next day and she was delighted, she mentioned that the bunch was massive and the smells were exquisite. I've since been in the shop itself and it is just as nice inside as I thought it would be. I received an efficient and friendly service and was conveniently able to pay over the phone. My friend was pleased and so was I - a good recommendation altogether.

Obsessed with this shop! There were so many and all had different items. Staff was super friendly…read moreand welcoming, decent pricing and wide selection of merch to choose from. Can't wait to visit Ireland again!

Whoooo Hoooooo! Carolls I love you! There are two reasons why:…read more 1. I'm Irish and proud and when I walk past Carrolls and see the Belfast t-shirts and the tourists mulling around I get a great sense of pride. I am proud that if a Spanish/French/Ethiopian wanted to purchase something, nay anything with a shamrock on it they could get it here. I'm proud that pencils and pencil cases, hairbands, rubbers, sweets, aprons and the like with sheep/shamrocks/leprahauns on them can all be purchased here! 2. The Irish tunes that are being pumped outta this place from opening until closing fill me with happiness and make me want to sing along as I am walking past in the pissy rain on dull and gray winters afternoon - sure you couldn't beat it. For all things Irish Caroll is yer man/woman?

First of all, why aren't there more reviews for this fabulous florist?! Frankly I don't think the…read moreIrish post many reviews if at all! Well I am over the moon finding Norah Mitchell's Flowers! They exceeded my expectations in every way! My daughter and I have a very dear cousin in Belfast. We wanted to send her a bouquet of flowers, from each of us, for her birthday. I couldn't find my usual go-to florist and picked Norah Mitchell's due to their photographs, and price. I live in California and my daughter and her family live on the east coast. Vicki was wonderful to deal with on email and Carolyn was very kind and helpful on the phone. Flower arrangements were lovely and very affordable. Even my daughter remarked how beautiful and affordable her arrangement was. We highly recommend them and will be using them again during the upcoming Christmas holiday! I am attaching photos of the flowers we sent.

The front of the shop doesn't really let you in on the secret that this is a really great florists…read more I came in to pick up a little wreath and left with my wedding flowers planned and organised. They were extremely knowledgeable, knew how to deliver my vision and suggested great cost saving alternatives, when I went over the budget. On my wedding day they delivered everything on time and as promised. It was soo hassle free and one less thing to worry about. I still go back for a lovely bunch of flowers every so often, but if you've got a wedding or big event, they are a safe pair of hands!

Maven is a shop and also offers interior design services. It's a lovely space selling beautiful…read morehousehold items, ceramics, furniture, textiles and gifts. I especially like the Derek Wilson ceramics and the fact you can purchase Northern Irish magazine Freckle from Maven. So even if you're not wealthy enough to use an interior designer (or just like to do your own) you can pick up some beautiful bits and pieces for your home. However the minimalist, simple, natural, muted style Maven trade in wont be to everyone's taste. Well worth a browse though. Unfortunately the shop is small so you'll see a greater range of items on their website: http://www.wearemaven.co.uk/home.

A real hidden gem stocking some beautiful modern furnishings, accessories and locally produced…read moretoiletries. Its in a very nicely restored little hall just off the busy Lisburn Rd and the lady behind the counter couldn't be friendlier, full of great tips on places to eat and other interesting shops in the area (nearly as good as yelp :). A great place to browse and get inspired by modern Scandinavian style...

I could have absolutely sworn this place was called Antiqua (sounds like a character from Star…read moreWars, doesn't it?), with the emphasis more on the antique-y part of the shop. However, upon a second look, it is actually called Artiqua (sounds like a chilly North Pole shop of some description, doesn't it?), with the emphasis more on the arty side of the shop. I'll let you get your head round all that before I proceed... Thankfully, the latter name seemed more applicable to this rustic boutique. It is overflowing with expensive jewellery (oooh, it was lovely), models of aeroplanes and cars, bronze ornaments made by some German company, those Granny handbags which almost resemble some weird tapestry, and animal ornaments and figurines. I spotted an unusual beanie ornament type thing, with a cat on it (yes, I know, I'm useless at explaining things), which hugely resembled our own wee puss. I had to do a double take. The shop keeper was in deep conversation with an elderly man about some antique he owned, so we didn't get a chance to natter with him. The shop is very well-kept, and laden with great gift ideas for those awkward people in your life. I'm already eyeing up a Concorde model for my dad for Christmas...he'd better not be reading this! Could always buy the cat that strange beanie thing and pretend its a mirror...

From the outside this shop looks like it is going to be filled with expensive little bits and bobs…read moreand guess what? It is! It's a boutique on the High Street in Holywood so you would expect the items to be a little pricey. I was drawn in by the window display which includes... ladies - this is amazing, wait for it....here we go! - replica jewellery that has actually appeared in episodes of Sex In The City! Seriously this shop stocks jewellery by the same designer and if you want it be prepared to pay for it - over £100 for some pieces. I would. This is one of those shops that keeps thinks like tapestry bags with dogs faces on them - I never really know who would buy these, I certainly wouldn't. There are other cool things like funky shopping trolley things that you usually see in tartan and being pulled by an elderly lady - this gives that bag a new twist with a cool look to it. One other thing really took my fancy and that was the jewels for dogs - bling! bling! silver and diamante collars and funky little, expensive looking necklace thingys for your mutt - you gotta love it, I'm definitely getting our Toby something from here for his woof-day.

Belfast gems in Belfast gem run by Belfast gem!!…read more Delightful shop run by the magical Mandy, assisted by her beautiful mother. Had a blast on my visit, picked up some gorgeous jewellery & the kinkiest shoes (which are also somehow tasteful?). Ordinarily I'm not a fan of much chat when browsing places, but the owner of Pretty Vintage is such great company, so helpful & so knowledgeable, you can't help but melt.

Place has more variety then most vintage shops in the area. However, the greatest part was the…read moreexperience with the owner. She was super friendly and helpful in finding the right piece. I love supporting local businesses and this one made my morning. I left when a peice of jewelry that I am treasure for life! Reasonable prices. Cheers!

I used Ferguson Flower for several years. I live in California and this florist is the one I used…read moreto send flowers to my cousin in Holywood, Co. Down. They were wonderful to deal with by phone and online. Their flowers were always exceptional. It appears they have moved/sold the company to Mimosa Florists. I found out when I went to order today. Knowing the Ferguson's like I did they are sure to be amazing as well. I hope I am correct and the Ferguson's don't mind: You can find Mimosa's site here: https://www.mimosaflowersbelfast.co.uk/. (02890) 604776. I'm ordering birthday flowers once again and I'll let you know how it goes. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this florist and all their affilitates for their wonderful customer service and quality flowers!

I may not speak for the entire female species, but I'm sure I speak for quite a large portion of us…read morewhen I say as a female I just love flowers, whether it's 'just because' or for a birthday or to say sorry, heck who cares? We love them any time, any place and where! I do anyway, I know that much! So it's invaluable having Ferguson Flowers in the mall to provide a great florist stop while you're about shopping. Ferguson has fresh new flowers delivered regularly to their shop so you can be sure of finding something pretty to decorate your home yourself or for buying a lovely gift for that someone special. Your safest bet for if you're stuck for a last minute present.

I've had better experiences in bridal boutiques…read more I'd noticed this shop a few times and as a bride to be I was keen to go in for a look around at the shoes and hair accessories. I parked up outside and was able to dander in. The door wasn't locked so there was no reason for me not to go in. Upon entering I noticed a few people at the cash desk to whom I said hello and made my way to the cabinets displaying all the bridal bits and bobs. The shop assistant excused herself from her clients and came over to me and asked if I was OK, I explained that I was just having a look at the shoes and that to which she replied that I should make an appointment as she was busy. I WAS JUST LOOKING! She then handed me a business card and told me I could make an appointment over the phone. Basically, I got the feeling that I was being asked to leave. I don't understand, I was just looking and the doors were open to the public. I get it that most bridal houses make you have an appointment but if they don't want folk walking in to look at their display cabinets they should lock the bloomin' doors. Nice hair pieces and jewellery but not a very welcoming environment. Like I always say though, maybe it was just bad timing on my part or maybe they were having a bad day or maybe the service is so personal that a stranger is not even allowed within earshot of each bride to be - I dunno. I'll get my accessories from somewhere else.

I visited this boutique with my friend who is getting married and have to say it was a very…read morepleasant place to be in. The staff were very helpful and they looked after not only my friend but me aswell. The range of gowns was plentyful and the quality of them was excellent. Their prices seemed to be not out of reach for the ordinary girl and the boutique it'self was very clean and tidy. I looked at both previous reviews and couldn't understand the negative review, as Bliss have a notice on their door saying BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, which is also recommended on their website. When I'm ready for the big day I shall be paying a visist to Bliss to look for my gown as I had such a nice experience there.