Spar

Not one of my favourite convenience stores, but this Spar’s handy location near the end of my training route means I have to stop by more often than I’d like for refreshments and snacks.
The staff here are undoubtedly kind, as I saw first-​hand as an old woman walked out of the store without paying (forgetful or cunning? I’m not sure), and the man behind the counter had to quickly nip out and gently explained that she failed to finish the transaction.
This Spar is quite clean and tidy compared to other branches, and it’s always in stock of my essentials: Diet Coke and The Guardian newspaper. Otherwise, it’s nothing special, but then again, most corner shops fail to blow my skirt up.
If you’re looking for a wider selection of groceries, stop by the Sainbury’s or Co-​op just a few doors down.

Yet another handy-​local-​foody-​outlet-​thing in Penarth centre. This is along a stretch which also contains Co-​op and Sainsbury’s and will certainly never be my first port of call.
This is a run down and cramped store with also somehow manages to attract a good amount of bitter and unpleasant customers. Quite often I see one lady in particular banging and crashing around; but kudos on the staff for their patience with her.
However, they have a saving grace of selling Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, unlike everywhere in Penarth at 10pm on a Friday night.