Centra Food Market

I'm quite keen on the Centra chain generally and particularly like this one as it somehow seems a little bit more umarket than others. It's a good size and also includes a Post Office so you can grab a few last minute groceries once you have done your Post Office stuff. All boxes ticked.

You wouln't do your weekly shop in this store, but the that's not the aim of Centras. What you will get is freshly baked bread, pastries and croissants, fruit and vegetables (although nothing too exotic as I know from the time I stupidly tried to get passion fruit here - I really need to manage my expectations). You can also pick up nice coleslaws, dips, cooked meats and basic groceries. Prices are higher than Asda or Tesco but then you're paying for speed and convenience. There are also frequent 'two for one' type offers too.

At the back is a hot food bar where you can get very nice panninis, stew and chips in super quick time. There is some frozen food too and a good range of papers and magazines.

All in all this is a good one stop shop when you're in a hurry and need to tick off a few jobs in one place.

Love all Centras - especially the deli and hot food counter. I have in fact just polished off a small salad made up myself with the generous carton and a selection of curried coleslaw, cherry tomatoes, two types of rice, cheese, potato salad and lettuce for £2.00. There was plenty of it and I got to pick exactly what went in - I even sampled the pasta as I wasn't sure about the sauce, I don't know if you are allowed to do that but sure, you won't tell anyone!

I like this Centra as it is more spacious than some of the other branches, the shop is bigger and the queues are smaller. I also love the fact that the post office is just off to the side of it as it saves on two trips - the lovely girl there today helped me send my wedding invites and arrange postage etc for me as I having a mild panic attack!

This is a good Centra providing all the basics we come to expect with centra such as great sandwiches and hot food as well as a massive selection.

I Heart Centra.

As mentioned in my latest tip for the Centra, avoid at all costs at around 8am and then again at 3:30pm - this is because it is frequented by local school kids and absolutely rammed. You won't even get near the snacks isle and that's the best isle.

Apart from these times the Centra is actually quite pleasant. It is king of convenience having an in store post office, a deli, a baked goods section and an ATM.

The Deli is amazing - really well stocked and staffed. Basically what I am trying to say is that if you come in here for lunch you won't spend half your break queuing.

If you're wanting to stop at the Centra either for a lunch or to pick up a few bits and pieces I would recommend ditching the car at one of the nearby car parks or walk from your office because Holywood High Street is a free-for-all at the best of times.

Overall I'm a fan of the Centra - despite the swarms of school kids, it's bigger than your average convenience store and has pretty much everything you could be searching for.

Local smallish supermarket, good for fresh vegetables and fruit, freshly baked bread, and takeaway lunches, sandwiches made to order, connecting Post Office.