In an area where the Islamic community is substantial it seems sometimes a little sad that Halal shops are the only recognisable icon of the faith. The Essence of Islam is a nice change therefore; a pretty little shop offering a range of Islamic centred products from clothing and health & beauty to books and halal sweets. City road has a rough and ready look about it and wins very few plaudits for neatness and quality. Too many of the shops, takeaways and bars look rundown or tacky and it adds to the image of the area being down-and-out. What a nice change then to find a shop that has taken a little pride in its appearance. The Essence of Islam is well looked after and attractive to look at, hopefully it will encourage others to follow suit. I’m not going to go shopping here, but I’m clearly not its target audience.
Rebecca B.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Bristol, United Kingdom
As far as I know, the Essence of Islam is a fairly new addition to City Road, as the shop front looks brand new and I spotted it for the first time fairly recently — it’s smart, clean black and white sign standing out from its more established neighbours. It’s full of interesting Islamic products, presumably mainly aimed at Cardiff’s Islamic community, including books, jewellery, health and beauty products, men’s urban clothing, kids clothes, ladies’ clothing, and a range of Islamic gifts and home ornaments. They’re also stockists of Islamic Impressions products, Al Thiyaab Islamic clothing, ALFAJR watches and clocks, and Halal Hariba sweets for children.