When Finest Supermarket opened in Radford last week it pledged to challenge the prices of big-name retailers. The shop in St Peter's Street, which borders Lenton and Radford, therefore had a lot to live up to when I went to test it out - equipped with a crisp tenner.
As soon as I entered it was clear the shop didn't lack variety. An abundance of fresh fruit and veg greets you at the door, with the smell of a (five-star food hygiene rated) butchers section loitering at the back.
Everything in between ranges from stationary and nuts to fizzy drinks and cheese. However, my budget shopping experience wasn't off to a great start, with price tags frequently missing from items.
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Admittedly, staff were very helpful with finding the prices and the store had been open just days - it would be harsh not to cut them some slack. The most refreshing part of the shop was its unique offerings of items and brands you wouldn't find in the major supermarkets.
It was this factor and the thirst-inducing heatwave that influenced my subsequent shop. In a bid to quench my thirsty thoughts I bought a large bottle of water, a can of pop and three nectarines - all for a combined price of just over £2.
The rest of my £10 shop consisted of some green tea, hummus, sesame seed oil and feta. All things I wouldn't usually buy, with the exception of the cheese, which I'm hoping isn't quite as bland as some of its supermarket counterparts.
Would I ditch Aldi to do my weekly shop here? No, it's not quite got everything I'd want. But would I revisit for some bits and bobs? Most certainly. Being faced by these unfamiliar brands encouraged me to try something new - and that's never a bad thing.
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