Ruth's reviews
Review of Sugar Shack
08 Nov 07, 20:58
Sugar not so sweet 
Sugar Shack used to be more cult and trendy, but now it seems a little faded and ignored- the barbie pink exterior with funky images still stands out a mile but the stock is often ignored. However, for those living in LS6 or just for general fans of the area, a t-shirt bearing this very postcode can be obtained here, in a variety of colours. Vintage dresses can be found here also, if you can get past the slightly musty smell the place has. Could do with a bit of revival but worth a look if you're trawling the shops either side anyway, and you might find something exciting.
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Review of Poverty Aid UK
08 Nov 07, 20:53
Biggest charity shop in Leeds 
Yep, this is the largest charity shop you'll find in this part of the world. Poverty Aid UK is situated on Cardigan Road, close to Hyde Park and is definitely worth a look if you like a rummage. Unlike some of the other charity shops round here, they don't mark prices up because'vintage' clothes are in fashion right now- so you can grab an excellent bargain. As well as clothes, shoes, books and records there is also a huge array of different furniture, including some beautiful retro items. Due to the student population items are brought in constantly so check back regularly for rare treasures and odd little curiosities.
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Review of Out Of Step Records
08 Nov 07, 20:47
Out of step, out of sight..?
Out of Step is commonly regarded as the more'alternative' choice of Leeds independent record shops. They stock a good range of local and more well known music, including vinyl and some rarer limited edition stuff. Especially popular for tunes of the punk, metal and experimental genres. It's tucked away in a corner of the Merrion Centre some may not know about- and it's been rumoured to be closing for some time, but still appears to be open for the time being. Fans include many into the'DIY' music scene here. Happy to put up posters for you if you have an appropriate gig to advertise.
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Review of Jumbo Records
08 Nov 07, 20:15
Jumbo records
This music store excels if you are looking for more obscure jazz or world music, especially on vinyl- there is a large selection to choose from and they will take orders. It's also a ticket shop. If you have posters or flyers for upcoming gigs, the friendly staff will be happy to display them and you can also pick up local free music mags here. One corner has a nice arrangement of local music, too. Not the cheapest record shop in Leeds but this one has character and a decent array of stuff to choose from.
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Review of Crash Records
08 Nov 07, 20:11
Crash Records
One of several independent record shops in Leeds, Crash is highly renowned and is usually the first to get in an new releases. It's a particular haven for local bands records, and if an artist releases a CD or vinyl in Leeds and/or nationwide, you can probably find it here. If you can't, they are likely to offer to order it for you. They also sell merchandise including t-shirts and badges of more commercial bands, and gig tickets, though quite a hefty booking fee is sometimes added but you are helping an independent. Staff manner is usually okay and willing, but not my favourite place to shop for music.
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Review of Escobar
08 Nov 07, 19:53
Escobar fun
Admittedly it's the only place I've ever ventured to in Wakefield on a night out, but my several visits here have always been highly enjoyable. This bar and venue puts on a variety of great gigs, featuring local promoters Louder Than Bombs, and has seen an exciting array of up coming artists and NME favourites over the last couple of years. Inside it's cool and stylish, though the bar is quite pricey and it's rather compact so gets very busy at the more popular gigs. The train ride from Leeds is worth it if you fancy a change and like a good indie night with a friendly, up-for-it crowd.
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Review of Pink Cadillac
08 Nov 07, 19:43
Pretty in Pink 
There is not one, but two Pink Cadillac shops in Huddersfield's town centre- and I have yet to encounter one anywhere else. The shop located on the Piazza sells an enticing range of odd yet intriguing gifts- groovy patterned rubber ducks, little Japanese figures and various other novelties as well as some lovely fashion and accessories. The second shop on Market Walk contains a bigger clothing range and a larger selection of costume jewellery at very low prices. There are some dresses that you will not see anywhere else- in fashion but different from every other high street shop, so a good place to head if you don't want to blend into the crowd. Independent and cool, and apparently they'e been going for 30 years. Awesome.
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Review of Shared Earth
08 Nov 07, 19:33
Earth-friendly shopping
This shop is designed just for people who love shopping and unique designs, but care about the planet- Shared Earth stocks many fairtrade items, kooky gifts and cute homeware with animal and nature designs, as well as greeting cards and writing paper. I especially loved the gorgeous mobiles and hanging beads. Some very pretty jewellery too. Prices are fairly reasonable and you can rest assured that you are purchasing items that will help somebody improve their quality of life.Inside the Merrion Centre, look out for the adorable cat shaped purses too.
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Review of Octopus
08 Nov 07, 19:26
Octogood
If you are present shopping and want something a bit different from the norm, you may be able to find it at Octopus. This chic, colourful shop tucked into a trendy arcade sells gifts unlike anything else- everyday objects have been transformed into works of art and every product on sale is a funkier version of itself- check out flowery toasters, smiling garden trowels, bird shaped lighters and bags patterned like orange juice cartons- and many more weird and wonderful designs. Lovely gift ideas for less conventional people. Also stock a bold, interesting jewellery range and some amazing cuckoo clocks.
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Review of Nosh
08 Nov 07, 19:20
Good Nosh
Nosh seems pretty modest from the outside and is nothing fancy or trite but it's fairly cheap and cheerful and perfect for a quick bite to eat on a lunchtime. Serving food to takeaway or eat in, they sell a tempting arrange of paninis, salads, jacket potatoes and healthy juices and smoothies. Nosh is conveniently located inside the Merrion centre so nip in here when you're all shopped out.
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