Kate's Kitchen just keeps getting better - they've expanded the seating area so you can have a…read moreleisurely browse through their collection of cookbooks and hip foodie magazines. The place rebranded a couple of years ago, and looks very cool and contemporary - wouldn't look out of place in Dublin city, but retains the charm of Sligo - facilitated by the Sisters O'Hara, the three sisters who are the creative energy behind the place. As well as a deli selling a wide range of speciality foods, teas, a 'free from' section, fresh cheeses, teas/coffees, sweet treats and lunches/dinners to go - there's also a dedicated skincare section, with some high end and reasonably priced beauty products. The window display changes with the seasons, as well as the stock. They're always ahead of the crowd, and this is a great spot to pick up a special gift. They're very active on social media and their instagram @kateskitchensligo is a feast for the eyes if you can't get instore. There's usually a veggie option at lunch, and try one of my personal faves - the coconut macaroons!

Kate's Kitchen/Hopper & Pettit is a tantalising "twinshop" consisting of a Delicatessen and…read moreToiletry Unit. The deli has a whole host of delights not all Irish sourced but of very good pedigree none the less. I bought a fantastic carmelised chutney that I would like some more of. There are an abundance of fresh produce available here . The cosmetics and toiletries are in a separate little store within the main store and you can treat yourself to a selection of delights here also. The staff are charming.

Every town in Ireland should have a French style patisserie just like this one; it should be…read morelegislated for and state funded. So how come Sligo gets lucky then, eh? Beautiful places like this are usually only found in larger cities. I'd passed this place a few times on earlier holidays but this was the first opportunity I had to buy to try - so I got a white sourdough loaf. I could have picked brown sourdough and I'm sure I also had a 3rd choice. For €2.50 I got exquisite, classic tasting and smelling, slow fermented sourdough with a crisp crackly outer crust - all it needed was the finest Irish butter. Having a sweet tooth I also opted for a selection of individual sweet pies, cake and macaroons to try. The cake I picked was a raspberry chocolate ganache with a whole raspberry on top (I think about €4 and worth every cent). The Wu flu means that the patisserie isn't open for customers to go inside. It was window shopping through a hatch only. I now have Apple Pay on my phone and I found that €21 can vanish in a nanosecond. I hope when we next return it'll be fully open. It's perfect to pick up picnic goodies too. Worth supporting.

Wonderful little Fresh patisserie in the heart of Sligo. My husband and I got breakfast there on a…read morecouple of occasions during a recent visit. They are very conscientious with COVID protocols, and have a convenient walk-up system to place your order. We had sausage rolls, pain au chocolate, hot chocolate, cappuccino, bleu cheese sourdough, and a baguette. The woman at the counter told me that the owner gets up at 2am to start making everything from scratch. It all looked so beautiful and delicious! I can't wait to go back to Sligo so that I can try all of their treats. Please give them your business!