Monika’s

Every community needs a ‘corner shop’ like this one! Unfortunately it isn’t my local shop, I wish it was. I usually stock up on drinks here when I’m on the way to parties and it’s great for that; so much lager on sale here!
My favourite visit to this shop really opened my eyes to just how wonderful the owners are. They have always been lovely and friendly and great for a chat but on this occasion the owner’s wife (co-​owner?) had just made some curry and wanted us to try it, but not only try it, have it. We only popped in for some cans of beer and ended up having a home cooked curry! Absolutely amazing.
I think they even sell their homemade curry now. I’ll be stopping in for some next time I’m nearby.
The window is covered in local’s adverts that usually give you a good feel for an area, or just how diverse it is anyway. There was actually an ad on the wall today for the Ultimate Hamster Starter Pack. £30 for the biggest range of hamster paraphernalia one hamster could need in a lifetime.
The shop might be a little bit warmer that it should be in the summer, as I noticed today, with their lack of an air conditioner, but who cares when the service is that special.

I love Monikas. It’s the best local shop I have lived near in Bristol.
The difference between this place and your standard local shop is in the friendliness and quirks of the owners, with a few extra touches added along the way. Monikas is run by a lovely Indian family that make sure that whatever time, whatever the request and whatever the weather, they always serve you with a smile. I always end up taking longer than expected when nipping in here, as I will usually end up chatting about the cricket or whatever is on the TV in front of the counter with whoever is behind it. As a result, I will always choose here over other local shops, as this makes a HUGE difference.
The interior of the shop is your typical convenience store affair; crammed and chaotic, but likely to have whatever you are looking for. I would recommend dipping your hand into their freezer of home-​made curry. Each one I have tried is great and works as the perfect solution during those nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
You’re lucky if you live near!

Monika’s is a fantastic local shop that sells an array of goods, my favourite in particular being the wide range of bread on sale at the back of the shop. It’s my usual weekend morning stop off to get bits and bobs for breakfast — and you also get a nice feeling that you’re supporting a local trader!
The couple who run it are very friendly and welcoming, and I always have a good chat in the morning regarding the cricket that he usually has on on his small TV in the corner. They have also opened up for me past closing time. You can even pay on card, providing it’s over a fiver.
All in all, as the others here have said, a fantastic little local shop that is well worth popping in if you’re ever passing.

Monika’s is located in Cotham, Bristol. It is a small convenience store which is open until late, meaning it is great for last minute alcohol dashes or chocolate fixes!
They always have deals on for alcohol, such as 3 bottles of wine for £10 which easily rivals the big chain supermarkets. There is a good selection of products, ranging from fresh bread, fruit and vegetables to packaged foods and tins. As Lisa pointed out, they also supply a variety of homemade curries which are really very good for their price.
The exterior of the building is a little off putting though. There a lot of posters and various adverts everywhere which is a bit overwhelming, however don’t let this put you off as the owners are really polite and lovely, and more willing to help you as you look for things.

Monica’s is a really friendly and helpful corner shop in Cotham. Seemingly family run, the shopkeepers are always extremely polite and will help you find what you want; they’ve even let me put posters up in the window in the past.
Those with kids might like to know that there’s a little toy stand at the back, selling small gadgets and action figures.
They also sell a selection of homemade curries and fresh pastry items, which are reduced towards the end of the day.

My local shop, Monica’s, is fantastic. They’ve got decent bread, straight from Herberts down in Montpelier, which pretty much justifies the shop on its own in my opinion. As well as this, there are dozens of other essentials — fresh cream, good wine, baked beans. It’s priced as well as, if not better, than the Somerfield nearby and I’ve never had to queue for as long. They’re open late too, so when you realise at half past ten that you don’t have anything for breakfast tomorrow, you can run and grab it.
Although not essential it’s nice that the Indian couple that run it are really friendly and always happy to chat when you come along. Adds to the feeling that this is friendly, local place rather than just another profit centre.

Monikas is the most amazing corner shop I have ever had the pleasure of living near. They stock everything you could need — all those individual ingredients that you suddenly find that you have run out of. They also have a range of home made curries which are fantastic and if there is ever anything they dont have they will order it in for you. And a lovely family that run the place too.