Somerfield Stores

My flatmate strangely swears by this supermarket, and goes here instead of the Sainsbury's which is probably marginally near to our house. Before I actually went in with him, I have to say I was pretty perplexed as to why exactly he thought this was any better. I always saw Somerfields as the real bottom of the barrel stuff, but actually I think that was just snobbiness.

It's soo much cheaper than the big Sainsbury's near the station and the small local CO-OP's which I am stuck in a never ending cycle of supply-demand-laziness with.

My flatmate is a bit of a Curry expert, and tend to get fresh and plump prawns here, which he says are the best value he's seen, and I can certainly attest to their flavour. Other than that the frozen produce is pretty good with some other decent frozen fish produce, and the veggies are pretty cheap, and surprisingly varied.

It doesn't look that nice inside, but give it a try and you'll be surprised.

Unlike the excellent Sainsbury's store located about 200m away, it is not a joy to shop at this particular Somerfield.

The best way I can describe this store is like one of those supermarkets where you see depressed protagonists working in American Indie films - think of the scene in "Go" where they start dancing around to avoid the monotony of the beeping scanners.

This Somerfield is a store that thrives on practicality: you go in and get exactly what you want. There is no floating around the aisles looking for tasty treats, or outrageous offers that'll take your grocery bill into triple figures. No, no, no!

If you're looking for great produce, look elsewhere. If you're on a budget, have little time and want to get okay food products, go to Somerfield on London Road.

Somerfield is definitely aimed at a certain market. Whether that marketing inspired slice of the population actually exists, I'm not sure, but I the difference between what they stock in this Somerfield on London Road and the Sainsbury's just up the road is noticeable. There is almost no organic fresh produce here and none of the fancy pants upmarket labels, or 'Taste the difference' ranges. This supermarket is more in tune with those of us on a budget but also stocks more junk food, not a good message to be sending- spend your little money on unhealthy food that will fill you up temporarily and send you into a downward spiral of cravings, bad moods and ill health. Sorry, I'll get of my soap box. For cheaper priced basics this is the place- no frills, no snootiness but decent quality. Just resist the temptingly 'on offer' junk or at least, resist it some of the time! The shop is always neat and the staff are quite friendly.