The first of three pharmacies I visited in one day, James Stirling was by far the...strangest. I…read moreknow, you're thinking I must be pretty ill, or perhaps I was after something that the others didn't have. Or it could just be that I am very, very sad. And I think we all know which of the above it is. I can't help it though, it's like an addiction. I need to be constantly checking out different pharmacies. Maybe they could prescribe me something? Anyways, James Sterling was definitely a unique chemists, mainly for two reasons: 1) It's like a pound store meets pharmacy meets cluttered jumble sale. There was so much going on, stock everywhere, tons of packets of nappies stuffed on top of the shelves on the walls, random display units dotted here, there and everywhere...the whole place was in organised disarray. I half expected the walls to start closing in, and those nappies to start popping out everywhere. Oh baby. [Yes, this is still point 1...it's just an extension] On top of this, the aisles were exceptionally narrow, so much so that I had to breathe in to let a lady and her pram past (and this was after she had attempted to get down the adjacent aisle). I'm not the claustrophobic type, but it was starting to make me feel a bit squished. Just a bit. 2) The sales assistant was strangely sing-songy..."hello!", "thank you!", "goodbye!" (just imagine the high [though not unpleasant] sing-song voice), when I went to purchase my 99p deodorant. (NB. It *is* quite a well-priced place). Well, after all that, I felt a bit bewildered by the whole experience. Still am to be honest...

The pharmacist is very helpful in getting what you need, and surely that's the main thing. Willing…read moreto make all sorts of arrangements to ensure you don't run out of your medication, and surely for a pharmacist that's job number one?

A handy chemist in city centre. Avoid the big prescriptions queue in Boots with this smaller,…read morepersonal service. The pharmacist is pretty friendly and offers lots of over the counter advice for minor ailments. For a small shop it's well stocked with lots of both sex toiletries, makeup and domestic products. There are always v good deals on things like toothpaste, facewipes and deodorants. Good selection of health brands like linwoods, biona, PhD and maximuscle. Protein bars like PhD, Quest and ON are from £1.49. Yankee candles also available. General chemist staff as helpful and friendly.

No it's not the predominant health care provider in the US but in fact a large chain of chemists…read moreand pharmacies across the north. This store does the usual plethora of over the counter products along with a full prescription pharmacy. I only noticed after walking around the city looking for the best place to buy whey protein. The time when muscle building was a prerogative has been and gone but back then it seemed fitting. Holland and Barrett was often the haunt of many looking to stock up on huge great tubs of the awfully flavoured nonsense, but prices here rivalled. £18 for a large tub of whey, banana flavoured. Loverly.

Superdrug is a really chemist popular chain store that sell a really wide range of personal care…read moreproducts. They have been opened in Northern ireland since 1991. They have a no animal testing charter, which is something that's really commendable these days. As a laydee I have reason to pop in to pick up all manner of hair and beauty products. I think this store are really good for finding bargains on things like shampoo and make-up ranges. I'm definitely a fan of this store as they offer a much cheaper alternative to boots.

Superdrug is undoubtedly the best UK high street health and beauty retailer. Their products are…read moreexceptionally excellent in quality and economically priced. Additionally all their own brand items carry the leaping bunny symbol indicating clearly they are certified by Cruelty Free International. I visit Superdrug frequently to pick up their exclusive range of 'B' makeup which is vegan. It's an amazing cosmetics range and outstanding quality with the B makeup Primer being the best I've ever tried. The lipsticks and nail polishes come in a vast array of colours too and the eyeshadows are beautiful to use. All Superdrug own brand products are clearly labelled, highlighting if they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. In particular the Vitamin E skincare, sun care and dry skin ranges are awesome. An ethical super store!

This is a little pharmacy within an estate community, the staff are a very pleasant and happy to…read morehelp you with anything you need. The pharmastist is happy to help you,to advise if its something they can help with via over the counter medicine or if you need to see a doctor. All in all a great family pharmacy.

Normally when I think of Boots I think of perfume, make-up and a chemist but the range of products…read moreand services boots offers has been growing at a phenomenal rate. It now offers photo development and even an opticians. It is becoming a one stop shop for everything. What I like about Boots is that it stocks major brands so you can be assured that what you are buying is the real deal in comparison to the likes of semi-chem. I recently called into the Boots in Castlecourt as I had really bad toothache and was going to pick up some gel for it. I went to the counter to pay when the girl advised me of a product they had that would work much better and was pretty much the same price. I bough the recommended gel and it worked wonders and I've recommended it to my friends. Purely because of the excellent customer service and advice I'd come back to this Boots of I had any ailments that could be sorted with over the counter drugs.

As a female, this Boot's store is great for make-up, hair products, make up brushes and other…read morerandom things that us girls have to fork out for for general upkeep! It really does offer excellent choice and stocks cool (but well overpriced) make-up brands like Urban Decay and Benefit- swooon! I also get my foundation in here which is Revlon Colurstay and works out about a tenner cheaper than when I buy it down south! Crazy! This particular one isn't stocked by many places, so I was delighted to find it in here. The make-up ranges are great and they also have every hair care prouduct you can think of. The John Frida Brilliant Brunette hair serum is only £6 and works wonders. Really recommended. Randomly they also offer a range of lunch sandwiches and pasta dishes for people popping in on their break. On the pharmacy end of things the staff are knowledgeable, helpful and polite. A great store, which has been recently refurbished, in a great location. Only thing is you're going to come out with empty pockets!