Maybe I'd been looking in all the wrong places but I'd struggled to find a wicker basket anywhere…read more It broke my heart when, during a visit to Krakow, I realised that I just wasn't going to fit one in my suitcase back. Heart-breakingly, it seemed like we were in the city of wicker baskets; there were hundreds of them at markets, just waiting to be bought. But, alas, it just wasn't meant to be. Fast forward to today and I pop into the new Polish Goods and Bakery Shop and, after browsing for a while, I come across several wicker baskets. Are these for sale or display purposes? Turns out they're for display but can also be purchased. YES! My wicker basket dreams have come true. Now I just need a flowing summer dress, a ribbon in my hair, some fresh raspberries and half a dozen eggs. How whimsical. I will certainly look the part with my wicker basket. Yes, I will. I have searched high and low for it; so naturally I'm going to pull out all the stops. Now, I know what you're thinking. - Enough about that damned wicker basket and more about the shop and the Polish produce, lady! And yes, it's all very good. I genuinely felt like I was in Poland. - It feels very authentic. I was even welcomed with a friendly 'dzień dobry!' and many Polish shoppers popped in and out during my time in the shop, which was nice to see. I particularly loved the tea selection. So many flavours! I left with some interesting varieties. My favourite being the mulled wine and honey. - Mmm mmm mmm. And it soothes the throat like nobody's business. I also left with some delicious seeded bread (NO ONE does bread like the Poles do! NO ONE!) and a jar of bigos. If you don't know about bigos, it's a Polish staple and MEGA YUM. I recommend. The only thing I would say is that it didn't look like there were any cakes or breads baked on the premises. Hopefully, this is something that comes with time as I'd love to pop by and get some fresh cakes or pastries. Everything is so reasonably priced. I left with quite the bag full, having spent not very much at all. The lovely Polish man who served me was excited about the new business, and keen to tell me about all of the products on offer and a little about how he came to Scotland. Also, I now know the traditional Polish use of the wicker basket at Easter time. Thank you, lovely man. I left with a smile. And I will be back.

Superb little cake shop in the Stirling Arcade with great value cakes and sandwiches. Nice setting…read moreto sit and enjoy tea and cakes.

Formally know as Olivers, the bakers oven sell a variety of sandwiches, baguettes, pastries and…read morecakes as well as fresh bread and rolls. This branch has a take away section downstairs which opens out on to the street. The food is of a high quality though sometimes the pastries could do with being a bit hotter. Upstairs is a sit down restaurant which offers a similar selection of foods as well as hot and cold drinks. The service is fast and both the food and eating areas are cleaned and tidied regularly.

This is a new addition to the main thoroughfare of wee Stirling toon. Garishly painted fuchsia pink…read moreand line green (LOVE IT!) it really stands out from the standard chain coffee outlets that litter the Stirling landscape. It has a distinctly "greasy-spoon-esque" feel to it mixed with a little bit of hipster coffee shop. It's a relaxed wee place perfect for a wee coffee and a cake. To the cake - oh the cake. They are muffin masters. I have only been once and spent most of my time deciding which of their freshly baked, delicious, aesthetically designed muffins would be mine. They have everything from Oreo to Banana Toffee muffins to Malteaser, Smarties and Carrot Cake muffins.They are all masterfully presented and my Toffee Fudge variety (coupled with a delectable latte) was delightful. It's great value for money if you're looking for a quick caffeine-sugar rush on a work break or a catch up with mates. Will definitely be visiting again!

I went here once when they first opened…read more I was served by an enthusiastic, flamboyant man, and a smiley friendly girl.I am always impressed by the quality of Stirling businesses in terms of the service, and this was no exception - really genuinely welcoming folk. I asked for a recommendation and was recommended a peanut butter and jam muffin. I would never have picked this on my own but I opted for the recommendation (the great staff said if I didn't like it they'd happily let me have another instead). The muffin was delicious. The latte I ordered to go with it was also nicely made and nicely presented - they had decaf, and it was good decaf - tasted just like the real thing! Still, I haven't been back. I'm not sure why, but it probbs had something to do with the space. I didn't find Mama's Muffins a nice place to sit in, it wasn't particularly comfy and didn't have much atmosphere. although they have wifi and they serve savoury food as well, it just isn't somewhere I'm tempted to spend time. I can't blame the staff for this, or the quality of the baked goods - both were well above average. Maybe rethink the decor (purple and lime green is quirky but gives the impression the palce is trying too hard, and it doesn't make you feel at home), and get some comfier furniture? Maybe position it differently so it feels more like a living room and less like a shop with chairs in? I dunno, something just wasn't right atmosphere-wise in this cafe. It seems to be trying hard to be quirky but ends up lacking in character. Still, the staff are to be commended, and I would def recommended you stop by, and get a big box of muffins to take away and share with friends or family.

Card factory is really good for buying cards all year round, It is a tiny shop but the cards are…read moreamazing prices. The prices of the cards range from 29p, 59p, 89p and 99p for most cards to some cards that are slightly more expensive. They also sell gifts at reasonable prices and gift bags, wrapping paper, invitations and other stuff. Be prepared for a queue if you are planning on buying anything. It is a difficult shop to get into if you are able-bodied but will be very hard to get in if you have a buggy or are in a wheelchair. Be prepared for queues out the door in the run up to Chrismas.