The following conversation ensued between my sister and I over lunch yesterday…read more.. Lynne: Eh, what was that watch shop called off High Street? Sister: Watchcraft you mean? Lynne: Aye, that's it [pauses] Sister: You do know why it's called that, don't you? This is the only reason I remember it. Lynne: Hmm...no? Sister: Duh Lynne, it's a play on words...like witchcraft:? Watchcraft? Lynne: Ahhh!! [looks at sister in astonishment]. Gosh, she never fails to surprise me. I had no clue as to the name of the shop, and that pun went way over my head, yet my little sister who thought Ward Park and Castle Park were the same thing (which they're not) spotted both. Wow. It was actually my sister's suggestion to go see this little watch shop, and I happily complied. She'd been in with my mum before, and informed they had a lovely collection of watches, jewellery and novelty clocks. When we popped in yesterday, there was a little old lady with her zimmer frame and another lady with her buggy, and due to the size of the shop (ie. fairly compact), there wasn't a whole lot of room left for my sister and I. However, we had just enough time to take a quick look round at the various watches (cheap), jewellery (equally as cheap, and coming in all sorts of forms - brooches, necklaces, rings), and those cute novel clocks (they're like little figurines, in the form of golf bags, pianos, boats etc). Catchy name, a lot of good stock, and a watch-fixing service...yep, it's a goodie.

Watchcraft is another of Bangor's hidden treasures. It is an old fashioned jewellers/ clock and…read morewatch repair shop situated in the town centre. If you are looking for something a little bit different I would call into witchcraft and see what they have to offer. They have a mix of unique jewellery, watches and accessories. Watchcraft managed to fix a watch of mine that another of Bangor's jewellers said was unfixable. The difference is at Watchcraft the seem to be trying to save you a few quid rather than trying to get you to purchase a brand new watch. As well as being old fashioned in what they sell they still believe in old fashioned customer service which is a breath of fresh air.

Eek! Boutique! I should have run but I was lured in, as I always am, by the uniqueness of the…read moreplace. I am not a boutique person for two reasons. 1. i do not have a wad of fifty pound notes literally falling from every pocket, purse of orifice of my body - unfortunately. 2. I am a size 14/16 - boutiques do not like my body. Nuff said. They had lots of flimsy, artsy, printed pieces for rich skinny folk - all priced at the steep end. Somethings in there were £200 plus - yikes! I will say that as a fattish poor person I don't maybe give a fair review. They do have lovely little necklaces that I have never seen anywhere before - very long chains with little sculls or handcuffs on them - lovely and in the sale! Horrah!

A wardrobe staple! Lesser known but top designer brands from NY and LA, get them here before they…read moreshoot to megastardom. The owner Fiona's eye is so good, that even when I lived in NY I shopped here! She and her sales staff are the best at helping you put together an outfit. Sure some of the clothes are a little steep but you get what you pay for and everything I have bought here has gotten years of mileage. (Sales are not to be missed!) The styles are wearable, elegant and understated and work well in my professional life as well as when I am out and about! Plus very cute accessories that make brilliant gifts for your best girly friends! And the Marketa bags are to die for. I am currently crushing on one that is the most gorgeous purple suede!

There seems to be at least two different antique shops at this address, so I'm slightly baffled as…read moreto which is which. The sign says Agar Antiques, but the business cards in the downstairs room say Drummondreid, as does the opening hours sign on the window. Then there's an A board on the pavement saying 'Town and Country Antiques Upstairs', with different opening hours. Argh, I haven't a clue what's happening. What I do know is that the downstairs section of this antique shop is like an Aladdin's Cave, overflowing with the most delightful vintage furniture (there are genuine sofas from dear only knows when, which have become a bit battered and worn, plus more plush chaise longues, beautiful tables, lighting and that sort of thing), as well as accessories (those giant antlers seemed to all the rage at one stage), a few pieces of jewellery, figurines and ornaments. There was even a fur coat lying on a one of the chairs...I didn't check if it was genuine or not. The little business card (under the name Drummondreid) informed me that they do furniture restoration too, which is pretty cool. I'm all into reusing things, and I do love old knick knacks, so that may come in handy at some stage. Despite the name confusion, I absolutely loved this wonderful antiques shop (minus the fur coat...)

I think I've been watching too many of those Cash in the Attic style shows, because for the last…read moregood while I've had an insatiable desire to go visit an antiques shop and have a nosey, though I've always felt a bit silly. I mean, what do I know about antiques?! The answer is zilch, nada...nothing. And I almost passed this lovely little place for fear of looking completely out of place (I don't know what antique-loving people look like, but let me tell you, they don't look like me), except for the fact that I listened to the voice of reason that happened to be my sister. Delusion happens to the best of us... "Aww, come on Lynne! Don't be so silly, just go in!" she exclaimed. Man, she can be mighty persuasive at times. So, in we went. And I gotta tell you, I rather liked it. The lady shop keeper did keep a bit of an eye on us, but we ended up striking up a conversation about the character figurines in the cabinet, and she even told us we could open it and have a closer look. My sister and I shared a laugh, and explained that they'd probably all be broken within minutes if we were to do that. She laughed along, and we continued to examine the delightful little ornaments from afar, pointing out the Jemima Puddle Duck one, and explaining to her that my sister had always had an affiliation with this particular Beatrix Potter character, having been called after her on certain occasions when she was much younger. The shop has lots of stunning chinaware, furniture, and home interiors, as well as jewellery and random little knick knacks. We spotted a Victorian kettle, a 120 year old book and a couple of strange animal antlers on plaques...very fetching! If I was after an unusual gift, or an item of vintage furniture, I wouldn't hesitate to repay Christine and her antiques a visit.

What a consistently well stocked liittle shop! Changes on every visit. I've nerly always found…read moresomething I want to buy! Christine is a an avid Francophile and something from the South of France occasionally turns up and finds a good home with me in Northern Ireland. Well worth a visit. Keep looking!!!

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.

Oh heavens. I know nothing about antiques, and I think Mr Shop Owner knew that fine rightly…read more "Are you after anything in particular?", asks he. "Errr, not really", came my reply, "But [notices extreme deficit of anything not furniture related] you specialise in furniture?". A nod signified the affirmative, and I continued, "I'm looking more for decorative ornamental pieces..." Which is kinda true. I mean, I certainly don't need any furniture. Heavens, I could just imagine my mum's face when I tell her I've purchased an antique mahogany table, complete with four matching chairs... Having a look around, I discovered there was absolutely no way I could even begin to think about buying anything...this stuff was pricey! I informed Mr Shop Owner that I liked one of the clocks, to which smiled, picked up a business card, and went on my way. Now, I can't deny that my visit had been in complete vain. The address section on the business card read "96 Main Street, Moira, Co. Armagh". Well, I never. I was utterly convinced Moira was in Co. Down. What do you know?

What a find !Four Wind Antiques in Moira is filled with quality antique clocks and furniture at…read moredecent prices! Ian the shopkeeper is second generation in this family business and has a wealth of knowledge and welcoming friendly manner . Whether you are interested in purchasing grandfather clock or just browsing Four Winds antiques is well worth a visit. Hope to visit again soon and maybe buy a French mantle clock-beautiful shop-not to be missed!

The Candy Box is Millisle's lifeline, because it is one of those wee shops that are totally taken…read morefor granted until we run out of something at the last minute. It is an aladdins cave inside , no matter what it is that you need this we shop will have it from sweeties to dog food and washing powder to gift bags , it really has an amazing stock of everything. What is also very commendable is that the prices are not over the top they match that of the high street stores. So this may not be the biggest store in town but it does have everything thar is needed including very pleasant staff who are more than helpful. They also have everyone's favourite for summer the good old ice cream cone with trimmings!

Sometimes I say to my dog, "I'm going to take you to The Candy Box, would you like a walk?"…read more Of course I am referring to a Newsagents, Tobacconist and sweet shop located on Millisle Main street. This wee shop is a jack of all trades, Milk is 99p for 2 litres and you would be hard pushed to beat or meet that price anywhere. It also doubles as ice cream seller, sometimes the dog and I sneak a cheeky Ice cream on our way home from getting the Sunday papers. This leaves both of us with a bit of a brain freeze but the ice cream is so good it would be hard not to rush it. The Candy Box is a favourite with people visiting the seaside, Millisle must be the only seaside town on the Ards peninsula without a dedicated Ice cream parlour, so The Candy Shop makes a bit of a killing with its cones. Whether it is a paper, a packet of cigarettes or North Downs famous Poor Bear ice cream you should pop into The Candy Box if you are passing. Also try the Fresh Dulce and yellow man, these are specialities of the region.

I can't believe I am the first person to review The Cove. This is a true Yelpers paradise. This wee…read moregift shop is literally full to the brim with antiques, cards, gifts and presents that your mum would like. Thy have a huge rang of vintage items set outside the store, this is what actually caught my attention. It's a bit like an upmarket car boot sale. There didn't really seem to be a theme to the items. There was a mix of furniture, household decorations and general bric-a-brac. I loved it - there is something really exciting about sifting through all their products. Almost like a treasure hunt. Antiques collectors would love this place. It also had a range of vintage camera equipment that was behind lock and key. Upstairs houses more modern handmade gifts, cards and part accessories. If you want a unique gift for a loved one or are decorating your home and want something a little different look no further than The Cove! Couldn't recommend it highly enough.

Yes this shop is great. My first car was a Morris Minor, dark blue. I got a little Corgi car…read morejust like it, even the registration number is similar!