Recycling at its best. But it is not cheap! Poor parking.read more

Steptoes Market is in Trusham Road in Marsh Barton in Exeter, next to a Cafe…read more It is a recycling centre with a range of goods from plumbing tools to furniture, household goods to toys, building materials to music and books. It is great for rummaging around, always worth a look as stock changes daily. The prices are very reasonable and the staff are very friendly. Originally Steptoes was in the Recycling Refuse Tip in Marsh Barton but owing to the number of people recycling goods in Exeter it had to move to larger premises. Not really disabled friendly as the aisles are very narrow and there is a mezannine. Take a trip down memory lane and look over all the old furniture and bric a brac. Parking is limited to the street although there is a small area to the side of the building.

Aaah! I remember being 15 and thinking those pink bags were the coolest thing…read more In fact, I still do. The arcade in which The Real Mccoy sits feels a little bit magical and it's a great pastime to go and have a rummage around the pretty dresses and waistcoats. I used to think I'd get my wedding dress here and, while this hasn't quite turned into reality, I have bought many a good item (my first purchase here being a lime green boa which I thought was the business) and my partner has too. If you want to get some vintage haul and then go for a pretty decent cup of coffee then head here!

Next to Mansons guitar shop. Fab coffee,WiFi, nice people. Worth a go.read more

If you like vintage fashion then the place for you is London Street, on the outskirts of Bath's…read morecity centre. Even though it might not be quite as good as Bristol's Park street there are two shops you should really take a look at; The Yellow Shop and Jack & Danny's. Jack & Danny's looks and smells every inch a typical retro clothing store. The shop is so jammed packed with dressed, jackets, shoes and bags that their rails literally explode onto the street outside. This is literally floor to ceiling vintage heaven. You need strong arms and a whole lot of patience to push back the clothes and discover a gem, but if you take the time you'll hopefully find something you love. The ladies who work at Jack & Danny's are perfectly pleasant, but they're there to pick out the best fashion available, not to make idle chit chat (so if friendly service is what you're after - you're better off at The Yellow Shop). The prices aren't cheap, but the clothes are quality with a leather jacket setting you back around £45.

Although dealing in the same area of business, there's really quite a different feel to Jack &…read moreDanny's than there is to the Yellow Shop. The Yellow Shop is quite clean and modern looking, housing trendy garments for youthful hipsters, both vintage and otherwise. Jack & Danny's on the other hand, is quite an Aladin's cave, with vintage clothing, costumes and other random bits and pieces piled high up to the ceiling. There's a distinct musty smell to the place, a bit like an old loft, but that makes it a whole lot more interesting in my books. I like the idea that if you dig around for long enough you might unearth something that no-one's even seen for the last ten years. However, If you're looking for a quick and easy shopping experience, then this probably isn't the place for you.

What a treasure house of formerly used books. Last year at stock-take time there were some 38,000…read morevolumes. The whole premises is an Aladin's Cave of books on all subjects. It is full of nooks and crannies and all are delightfully full of a huge range of titles. They also send books through the post using a website link. Well worth exploring at leisure However, there is more. Once you have traversed the labrynth of iinviting bookshelves then you discover a quaint coffee shop with a seculded courtyard. Just right for the sunny days. Although small in size, the service and ambience are generous and welcoming. It is a refreshing environment to enjoy a pot of tea, mug of coffee or light snacks. Explore it yourself.. Global Nomad.

Restaurant was a joy. Must go back to explore bookshop. Bacon panini and salad washed down with…read morecoffee was delicious and very good value. Great service. Cosy and historical surroundings. Nice clean loo. Cabaret was exceptional courtesy of the attractive, vivacious proprietress. What more could you want? Thanks for a lovely experience.

Walking through the doors of shop is like literally taking a step back in time. Everything from the…read morefurniture to the shop assistants look as though they've come from the swinging sixties. This is a little slice of retro happiness on the Christmas Steps. They stock everything from home ware to jewellery making it a vintage girl's paradise. Not only is Shop one of the best shops that Bristol has to offer, but they also hold gig and film nights where they'll serve you hot buttered pop corn and cups of tea. Keep an eye on the website for an event that takes your fancy and then try it out for yourself.

A lot of shops have come and gone on Christmas Steps, but this little vintage shop has kept its…read morechirpy little doors open. Focusing on modern vintage ('70s to '90s with a few nods to '50s and '60s) the first room has carefully displayed homeware and little nick-nacks. Owners Jayne and Brett are always there with a 'hello' - they always look so damn happy! - and the lounge music will usher you in smoothly to the back room. Here you will find some good retro clothes, particularly nice are the accessories and brooches available. TOP TIP: Pick up a 'shop-fir-mation' from the bowl at the back, a pick-me-up fortune cookie message in SHOP's unique style.

Pre-loved boutique store in an unlikely out-of-town location. Find this shop on the corner as you…read morehead toward Staple Hill shops from Fishponds. The owners pick and choose from high-level high street brands and couture - think from Karen Millen to Chanel. A mix of modern and vintage items, but with an emphasis on quality, this is a lovely shop to go browsing in. Don't forget you can always get a tailor to alter pieces that don't quite fit because everything here is a one-off. If you have quality items in your wardrobe that you no longer want then they will consider selling them for you in the shop for a percentage commission.

A fabulous treasure trove of good quality second hand clothes - everything from…read moresuits/dresses/tops/shoes/bags.... I went in for a browse & came out having finalised my outfit for an October wedding at half the price of anywhere else.... Will certainly be revisiting & recommend it to all - young & old....

Since the opening of the Princesshay shopping centre in 2007 New Look have occupied this large 2…read morestorey building, where they are able to stock a much larger range of clothing. New Look specialises in cheap fashion orientated clothing which may not be of the highest quality. They have specific collections for Teenagers, Tall, and Larger Sizes, as well as a range of underwear, footwear and accessories. In my opinion, New Look are best for jeans, which at £10-£20, are often better quality and a better fir that many more expensive brands. They offer various fits which are clearly colour coded by label, so that once you've found the fit that suits you best you can easily recognise similar styles.