Spar

As far as Spars go this is ok. It does usual Spar stuff, but it also has the local post office which is really handy and it has an Insomnia coffee shop inside too which is great. They have café seating inside as well as lots of tables outside. Insomnia inside won’t take Zappa tags as it is not a full Insomnia store it is as franchise, but they will stamp cardboard loyalty cards, so at least you are getting some sort of rewards. Coffee isn’t the best, it is very bland, but it is hot and come in good large sizes and you can get a coffee and a cake/​muffin/​cupcake/​scone etc starting from 3.75euro, which is good value.

As I locked my bicycle outside I went over my simple shopping list in my head, looking forward to an enjoyable evening meal to be shared with my housemates upon my return home. I intended to buy some dark chocolate (80% or over), an unrefined cooking oil of ANY sort, a multi-​grain sourdough and any cheese besides cheddar. I also wanted to pick up some decent craft beers to sit on on the deck as it was the last summer evening Dublin was due to have. I got a text from a housemate asking me to pick her up a half bottle of non-​Chilean sauvignon blanc. I left this «SPAR» empty handed and had to cycle up to Morton’s to get what I needed. Needless to say I only ever frequent this «SPAR» since is to buy some tobacco.

Still the best lunch time rolls. Always freshly (rebaked) bread and because of it constantly being busy the fillings are always fresh. Unlike other shops they are not too scabby with the amounts either. Fast too and well recommended.

A worthy inclusion on the exclusive Ranelagh scene and a stand-​out store even though it stands in close vicinity to two other popular stores; Superquinn and Centra. Spar holds its own because of the kind and helpful staff and the truck load of versatile groceries as well as household items it sells despite the shop being a little on the small side. It is more or less assured that you will find what you are looking for, if not something very similar within this most dexterous and handy of stores. Again, this is impressive considering the store does not inhabit a big space and thus pays tribute to the conscientiousness on the part of the store to try be as empathetic to the customer as possible in respect of what they may wish to buy. Everything from aubergines to superglue, hairspray to fresh bread, needles and threads to ATM services — it’s like the store has tapped into the consciousness of the Ranelagh residents before they have gone to stock their shelves, justly living up to its tag as a ‘convenience’ store, I cannot tell you how indeed convenient it is to have a shop close by that is more or less assured to sell whatever pernickety thing you are looking for. I was left almost dumbstruck one day when I went in there looking for silver glitter for a Halloween costume on a whim, not expecting them to stock it, understandably so as they are not an art shop only to my utter delight, finding it on a shelf! A commendable addition to the Ranelagh village, make sure you pop in next time you require those pedantic little items hard to find anywhere else, and whilst you’re at it pick up some things for that night’s dinner. Expediency really is the name of the game here.