Round the shops in Heraklion, Zara, Mango, H&M, M&S et al!

The January sales are here and in the spirit of investigation ( what else?) we had a trip to Heraklion and spent some ( most) of the time looking at the well known high street stores which we now have here on Crete. We also compared the stores to their counterparts in Chania where appropriate.

Some of them were not easy to find - Mango was down a side street - in a fabulous building-  but you could not see the signs until you were pretty much opposite it!

We do not have a mango at our end of the island so interesting to take a look.

More than one Benetton in Heraklion

The Body Shop. Long and narrow - well laid out, pleased to see they are now allowed to sell hemp hand cream and they had a section for their Vegan skincare and make up. Slightly easier to find things in Chania, but that is purely due to the shape of the store.

Marks and Sparks - on 4 floors, but the stairwell in the centre takes up a lot of room and it was not easy to find anything. Small lingerie department and minuscule department for men. Verdict - much better and more stock in Chania.

Lots of jewellery shops including "names"

Gap and Baby Gap. None in Chania.

Zara looked promising but a disappointment inside - items crowded together, difficult to find what you wanted. Chania store wins again! 

I have to say though, the assistants were working their socks off and though there were queues, due to the sheer number of customers, they worked quickly and efficiently and served everyone as fast as possible.

Zara home, None in Chania. Small soft furnishings and items such as baskets etc only.

Now in Chania too, Stradivarius is Zara's cheaper sister store. Well worth a look. Layout of Chania and Heraklion much the same - equal contenders!

Laterna in the street (barrel organ)

H&M look promising - when we eventually found it as it is not near the other main stores.

Well laid out, similar to Chania - perhaps a little roomier

Accessorise, we do not have in Chania - was busy and had a lovely range of items

The winter fair in Eleutharios square was beginning to close as it was the last day

Must have been magical for the children over the holidays. The "Ice rink" and the climbing walls were still busy!

Over all, if you live nearer to Chania than Heraklion, I would say that the shopping is better in Chania and not worth going to Heraklion simply for a clothes shopping day in the main "High Street" stores. As a day out of course there is plenty to do and see and many boutique and up market shops. We left the car and went on the Ktel bus so no hassle driving and no parking worries - well worth it. 

Uptown Brunch in Chania

Summer is here and sometimes a brunch is the only thing that hits the spot when you are in town   shopping. Time to visit "Streat" a trendy food bar in Hania, open 24 hours a day. ( It also has a late night club downstairs for the young go getters of the area) On the corner of Skalidi and Pireaus street- near Carrefour and Zara - so ideal for a break before hitting the store for some serious clothes shopping!

The building is an old renovated laundry dating from 1900 and is in a vibrant, upcoming part of the town.

The cafe is alway busy with locals enjoying a coffee and a rest from the hot sun

There is a large selection of coffee and cakes, salads and snacks, but best of all breakfast and brunch.

Inside the decor is an eclectic mix. If you enter by the side entrance you are greeted by a moped hanging from the ceiling.

But first a chance to sit and to choose brunch.

We chose from a wide range of refreshments including freshly squeezed juices and health drinks. I plumped for  pineapple, apple and mint juice. Very refreshing. My companion chose a cool beer.

Then a salmon and cream cheese club sandwich with "real" chunky chips.

Plenty to share

Plump juicy salmon, lots of cream cheese and juicy cucumber, crispy toast.

Next time I want to try their famous breakfast "Quakeropitta", oatcake with fruit, nuts and honey. Just the thing to start the day.

Now let's have a look around:

Over the side entrance there was a sign of old traditions amongst the modern setting. The sign of the cross made with smoke from the candle brought back from church after the midnight service at Easter

A moped hanging over the stairs

Walls covered with an eclectic mix of bric a brac

The light fittings over the bar are made from old decanters

Musical instruments on the wall - along with some antique guns!

Bicycle overhead.

Above the bar a huge range of coffees, tins and drinks paraphernalia

Industrial equipment 

One wall dedicated to old movie posters and record covers. The music playing in the background was forties with a modern twist.

Globes used as lighting

Suitcases as shelves

The DJ station - complete with drums, is suspended over the stairs

On a busy corner ideal to people watch, or go inside for a relaxing, but vibrant, ambiance.

You may like to know:

Service: Pleasant, friendly and efficient. 

Type of food: Modern breakfast and brunch.

Prices, Not cheap, on a par with harbourside cafes - but appropriate to the type and quality of the food.  

Bottled drinks fairly expensive but the food was only little higher than average and one club sandwich was plenty for two. 

"Star ratings"- on the "Guzunder" scale 8. 

- Clean, modern,  refurbished, doors have locks, toilet seats present, paper and paper towels available. Points lost as there is a steep flight of stairs to reach them so not very disabled friendly.

Would we return? Yes, certainly.