Sex Shops List

News, June 2014: Unappealing Appeal

The venue was set to appeal against Islington Council revoking the cinema licence, but the loss of a very similar appeal by Oscar's cinema led to the venue dropping the appeal. The outlook seems grim for the cinema.

News, May 2014: Under duress

The venue is under duress from moralists of Islington Council

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2017: Unpriced

Is one of only 2 stores remaining on this once bustling sordid walkway..

There's a distinct lack of pricing

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2018: Beautiful

Beautiful things for beautiful women with a price tag to match in the Pont Street branch.

Review from Londonist.com April 2014: Oldest and best

Broadwick Street Soho is still the chain's oldest and best. Styles run from the virginal to the downright rude,

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2018: Good

Good, but not great

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, November 2014: Essentials

A very compact shop carrying just the essentials

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2018: Lacking polish

Not received much TLC since the opening and in need of an urgent polish.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2015: Busy

Busy yet relaxed, this shop put a smile on my face

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, May 2016: Compact

One of the smallest shops I've been in. The space is well used.

R18 DVDs are £20 each. There are multi deals available including 2 for £30.

From Blue Rose, Sep 2007: 1500 Titles

We have over 1500 titles of DVD's in stock and stock a large selection of Adult Toys, Mags, Poppers, Contact Mags etc.

News May 2020: ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Individual Store.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2019: Impressive

It's an impressive shop with a good range for the space on offer.

News May 2017: ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Specialist Retailer

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2014: A nice atmosphere.

R18s at £10 (3 for 25) and £15 (3 for 40).

An excellent product range, good prices and a nice atmosphere.

News September 2013: New flagship store

Clonezone has moved from 64 to 35 Old Compton Street.

A company spokesperson said:

Due to rising demand we thought it necessary to invest in larger premises so that we could stock more of the brands our customers love, such as ES Collection, Timoteo and our in-house brand Titus: Made for Men -- a range of aromas, cock rings and leatherwear.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2018: Quirky

I particularly appreciated the variety of interesting quirky stock.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, May 2016: Full marks!

Gay R18 DVDs are available from £8 with bargain bucket DVDs at £2.

Full marks!

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2020: Beautiful

Beautiful things displayed beautifully.

News May 2017: ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Specialist Retailer

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2016: Pricey

There's much to love about this shop but prices are set to alienate all but the most affluent of customers.

News June 2014: Nominated for ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Retailer in the 2014 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

Review from Londonist.com April 2014: Headrush

Coco de Mer on Monmouth Street is a whirlwind headrush of lingerie, sex toys and unlikely-looking erotic art objects.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2017: Unpriced

Unpriced DVDs.

This isn't the worst shop I've been in but it is a long way from the best.

From Roger:

They offered me DVD's at £25 each or 3 for £60, and Videos at £20 each or 3 for £40. They will exchange for half-price. They have a huge selection of both formats and staff are friendly and non-pushy.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2017: Cellar seller

Now a cellar store with magazines and DVDs.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2012:

Gay on the street level and hetero downstairs.

The was an odd curiosity shop.

From the FairyGothMother website:

FairyGothMother is renowned as one of the world's largest and most famous purveyors of steel-boned corsets, lingerie and bridal gowns. We design and create beautiful corsetry and lingerie under our Lulu and Lush brand, giving traditional corsetry a modern twist by using the latest fabrics and colours.

As well as our own designs, we stock modern corsetry, delicious lingerie, elegant eveningwear, glamorous prom dresses and burlesque-inspired outfits by hand-picked designers from across the globe.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2018: Friendly

Well presented and a friendly atmosphere

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2016: Subversive

This is a stylish and subversive place to shop, practical too, 20 latex pants are hardly outrageous.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2018: Leather and latex

It's not a shop for everyone but if leather, latex and bonhomie are your thing, then it's recommended.

From Gay's the Word: Pioneering

Gay's The Word is the UK's pioneering first (and is today the last surviving) lesbian and gay bookshop.

Established in 1979 and located in the historic Bloomsbury district of London, we stock an enormous range of books; from the profound to the frivolous, from the liberating to the indulgent.

Our fiction ranges from prize-winning literary works through to crime, romance and erotic fiction.

Our non-fiction covers a wide range of issues from cutting-edge queer theory through to how to tell your mother you are gay.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2018: 5 star

Apart from one or two reservations about pricing, this is a 5 star store.

News September 2020: ETO Awards: Winner

The shop won Best Individual Store in the 2020 ETO Awards. The shop was also nomainated for Best STore MAnager.

News July 2018: ETO Awards: Winner

The shop won Best Individual Store in the 2018 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

News May 2017: ETO Awards Nominee

For Best Individual Store in the 2017 ETO Awards.

News June 2015: ETO Awards: Winner

The shop won Best Individual Store in the 2015 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

Review from Mystery Shopper, June 2015: Busy

Large ranges of DVDs at £20 (with 3 for £50) and at £10 (with 3 for £20).

Full marks for a huge range and an unparalleled location.

News June 2014: ETO Awards: Winner

The shop won Best Retailer in the 2014 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses. The shop manager was nominated for Best Store Manager.

Also previously nominated for the award in 2010, 2012 and 2103

Review from Mystery Shopper, November 2014: Comprehensive

Large ranges of DVDs at £20 (with 3 for £50) and at £10 (with 3 for £20)

A busy comprehensive shop well worth visiting.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2020: Warm welcome

A warm welcome and DVDs are mostly £25.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2018: Fun-n-sexy

DVDs were £25 (3 for £65). Clearaance DVDs were £25 for 3.

A fun-n-sexy broad appeal shop.

News June 2014: Nominated for ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Retailer in the 2014 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2014: Classy

A classy grown up exterior.

R18s at £10 (3 for £25) to £20 (3 for £50).

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2016:

Conveniently close to the station and a comprehensive range carried.

Review from Londonist.com April 2014: More affordable

It's more affordable than the other shops mentioned for kinky lingerie. It also sells corsets, catsuits and boots.

From Honour: Flagship store

The flagship store in Waterloo, the heart of London, is split on two levels with wooden flooring throughout, spot lit, and with all new fittings; making it a pleasure to browse around at ease. We still offer an excellent service, with an ever-increasing product range that boasts something to suit every budget. Next time you're in London be sure to drop by and take a look.

News November 2014: Renamed

The licensed shop renamed from BC Books to Hot Passion in 2014.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2013: DVDs

Lots of £10-£20 DVDs.

From BC Books, March 2010: 10,000 DVDs in Stock

BC Books has been trading since 1996 and is considered to have the largest selection of adult DVDs in the country with over ten thousand films in stock.

We cater for all tastes from the latest releases to the old classics. In our collection we have over 2000 gay and 700 bondage titles.

Spread over two large rooms we also stock all the latest marital aids and lots of hot! lingerie.

we are a couple friendly shop and with 15 years experience our friendly staff are there to advise and help.

Why not pop in and see for yourselves.

News August 2017: Samantha

The shop made the UK press, (at least the Daily Star), when it became the first stockist of the Samantha sex robot.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, November 2016: Refocused

A recent refresh has been a success with more focus on products and less on set-dressing.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2017: Unpriced

A compact store with mixed DVDs and mags but no prices on the R18 DVDs

Despite being so mall there is still room for clutter.

From Moore Allsorts:

We sell a great range of Toys and Clothing at really low prices and we are the 1st of our kind locally. We also sell smoking products!

From ETO Mystery Shopper, December 2011: Nice Products

Poor atmosphere but good choice of toys for the size of the shop and some nice product lines.

News from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2018: Prowler Red

Fifty & Dean became Prowler Red in July 2018.

Full marks for a friendly and fun store.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2012: Excellent atmosphere

The shop retains the excellent atmosphere, fittings and fixtures of the previous owners, DV8.An almost boutique feel.

There was a large range of DVDs at £ 20 and £ 25 with multi-buy deals too.

A top flight shop!

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2018: Little changed

Prowler is little changed by the new management save for stocking new lines from the new owners ABS Holdings.

News April 2017: New ownership

The Prowler Group went into administration in March 2017. The Soho store has now been bought by ABS Holdings who run the Simply Pleasure chain and will continue to trade.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, November 2016: Shrunk

The DVD range has shrunk a little. The pricing points are £30 (2 for £50), £22.50 (2 for £40), £15 (2 for £25) and £7 (3 for £18).

R18s at £11, £17, £30 and £35. There's a multi buy deal at each price point.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2012: Full marks

R18s at £11, £17, £30 and £35. There's a multi buy deal at each price point.

A little short on character but still gets full marks.

News May 2010: ETO Awards 2010

Prowler in Soho has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2010 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

Prowler's hugely impressive Soho branch was described by ETO's Mystery Shopper several years ago as looking 'very handsome, with its neon signs and subtle window presentation'.

From Prowler:

Prowler Soho was established 5 years ago as a completely different concept from existing gay stores. The huge windows are filled with daring displays - themes this year have included 'Hampstead Heath', Cottaging with George Michael and 'Peep Show', complete with moving screens.

Inside the shop sells fashion, underwear, books, CDs and homewares at the front, with an entrance at the back to the Blue Room. This room is probably the smartest sex shop in London, with a range of around 300 gay videos and DVDs, imported toys and magazines.

A separate till point within this room allows for discreet purchasing. All videos and DVDs are licensed, high-quality first generation and are generally £29.99 for both formats. Friendly, well-trained staff are always on hand to advise.

Prowler Soho is fully licensed.

News March 2018: Reduced Hours

The shop now opens:

• Tuesday:12.30pm - 6.30pm
• Friday: 12.30pm - 6.30pm

See review from islingtonnow.co.uk

From Ram Books, June 2015. Introducing Ram Books

Welcome to Ram books, a new kind of magazine store, put together with real love and meticulous attention to authenticity and detail. Part magazine shop, part erotica museum, part time capsule, and 100% classic collection of post war men's magazines - our shop is probably unique. We don't just sell a stock of magazines that arrives from a printer. We hunt down rare, unusual and vintage magazines that we have loved for years. Magazines we first discovered when much younger and which inspired us then and inspire us now. There's something strangely satisfying about rediscovering a magazine you first saw years ago, it connects you to that time and place and the memories associated with both.

Our stock is constantly changing as we discover collections lovingly stored by their owners which we can fawn over and own for a while before selling on or swopping. Many of our magazines are niche publications like spanking, corporal punishment, fetish, bondage and rubber and you will find all the classics within our range. At the same time classic men's magazines like Cavalier, Nugget and Playboy are also stocked along with the European hard core from Color Climax, Private and Topsy . Come inside and look around.

From We Buy Any Porn, June 2015. Introducing We Buy Any Porn

With about 30 years experience in the adult industry we have built up a list of contacts, knowledge, and experience that few can rival. We buy and sell all kinds of adult and erotic material - Magazines, Books, Posters, Cine Film, DVD's, Video, etc. We buy anything that's legal - we don't buy the nasty stuff, or sell it.

We take a pride in collecting and trading in Vintage items from the last 50 or so years. Like the collectors we deal with we have an affection for the (mostly) magazines we buy and sell, I guess certain titles remind us of times and places, people, characters, and events. In short our job is not really a job - its fun. That said we approach our trade with a professional attitude...

• We are available by phone, text and email seven days a week

• We are discreet and easy to deal with

• We pay fair prices and don't try to cheat people

• We buy large or small quantities and we can collect If required

• We can shred and dispose of items that are sensitive or personal

We have a strong recycling ethic. Our very business is based around giving new life to old items and letting new people enjoy them.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2020: Cards only

The shop has implemented covid policies that include a ban on accepting cash.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2019: Relocated

The shop has relocated from Islington to Soho.

A busy, 'dirty' shop in a good way.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, November 2016: Grungy

A grungy industrial aesthetic.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2012: Welcoming, relaxing and enjoyable

A small discreet entrance opens up to an industrial space.

A welcoming, relaxing and enjoyable shop

News September 2020: ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Store Manager.

Review fro ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2019: All welcome

Now relocated, still female focused but now welcoming all.

News, June 2017: ETO Awards 2017: Winner

The shop won the award for Best Specialist Retailer.

Also nominated for Best Individual Store.

News June 2016: ETO Awards 2016: Winner

The shop won Best Individual Store in the 2016 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

News June 2015: ETO Awards 2015: Winner

The shop won Most Innovative Retailer in the 2015 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

Review from Londonist.com April 2014: Erotic classes

It's a great place for women who are looking for good quality advice and customer service. It sells underwear, plus toys, and runs erotic classes in the evenings.

From Sh!, February 2010: Relaxed Atmosphere

This is located between Old Street and Shoreditch High Street, a brisk walk away from Liverpool Street Station in the City of London.

Targeting sex toys for women tends make for a very different atmosphere to many shops.

The store has a unique restriction of being basically women only, although guys are welcome if accompanied by a woman.

Sh! writes: Interestingly the men who visit Sh! tell us they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and non in-your-face stock as much the women it was created for"….

We have been invited to Downing Street, Won an Erotic Oscar, and been voted “best women's sex shop” ( Time Out) Best Online shop (Diva) & Best Adult Store (g3).

We don't just sell women's sex toys, we make make them! We design and manufacture silicone dildos in our London workshop plus sexy Leather Dildo Harnesses; Thigh Harness and Corset Style Harness so you can buy the perfect strap on. Famous the world over, you can only buy a Sh! Dildo or Strap On Harness at Sh! online and in our London Store

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2020: Broad appeal

DVDs are £20 (3 for £50).

A mix of broad appeal products nicely displayed.

Review from Mystery Shopper, December 2014: Exceptional Service

Premium DVDs are £25 (3 for £65), and standard £20 (3 for £50).

Simply Pleasure won my heart with staff for whom nothing was too much trouble.

Everything a licensed sex shop should be and more.

Review from Mystery Shopper, March 2010: Attractive features

Has a massive range of magazines, toys and DVD's.

Premium DVDs are £25, standard £20 and there's a cheap box with £10 (or £5 when purchased with a full priced DVD).

A shop with many attractive features.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, May 2016: Attentive

An interesting shop with attentive staff.

There's a basement of DVDs at £25 each, 3 for £50 or 7 for £100

Reader's review: An excellent little shop

An excellent little shop. Lingerie, costumes and lots of fetish clothing in PVC, rubber and leather, toys and videos/magazines downstairs. Very friendly, helpful proprietor, who also keeps a discreet distance while you browse.

Reader's review: Fantastic

fantastic little shop...

• upstairs is fetish clothing, their speciality [massive range]
• downstairs is videos and toys [massive range] and some bdsm mags

Cheerful and helpful owner, knows his stuff, he's respected in the community too. went in for a browse and spent two hours chatting! Shop is couple-friendly too, well lit and not seedy at all. 10/10

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2019: Renamed

The store has modified name from Soho Original Bookshop to Soho Original Adult Store.

DVDs were £25, £20 and £10 with multi-buy options.

Nearly five stars.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2017: Rather Good

Toys are now upstairs, whilst DVDs and magazines are downstairs.

DVDs were £30, £20 and £10.

News May 2010: ETO Awards 2010

The Brewer Street branch has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2010 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

Its ground floor is a mainstream book store but all the fun happens downstairs in the licensed section - ETO's Mystery Shopper called it 'smashing' and 'a sexy shopping experience'.

Review from David, August 2008: Viewing Booths

The Soho branch now has viewing booths installed at the back of the downstairs adult area. Useful if you can't wait to get home...!

Review: Brewer Street

Brewer Street: Probably the best prices in town, a good selection but it is small and tends to get crowded. Adult department downstairs.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, May 2016: Downstairs

Mixed interest books on the ground floor and the good stuff is downstairs.

Softcore magazines are generally £5 whilst hardcore mags are £6.

There are R18 DVDs in the range of £10 to £20.

News July 2013: Closing

The owners have applied to the council to change the us of the premises from retail to an eaterie or bar

Review from Mystery Shopper, November 2014: Attractive features

Has a selection of hardcore magazines at £5.95 (2 for £10). The shop allows browsing of the mags.

DVDs at £20 (with 3 for £50 and 7 for £100). There are clearance DVDs at £15 and £10.

It's quite an old fashioned feeling store but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

From Super Mags:

Licensed Sex Shop. Specializes in American imported magazine's: Bondage, Gay and Hetro holds sole rights for Hustler, Mavety and Magna on magazines DVD & video. The latest sex toys.

News December 2013: 185th

Uxbridge was ranked only 185th in LoveHoney's survey by area of spending on sex related products. But it was enough for a local news story. Jessie Fim, who works at Uxbridge adult shop TLC commented:

People are much more open-minded. I see the way local people come in and their reaction, and they're all quite educated about the sort of products available. It's always new customers as well, because people who move to the area hear there's a sex shop here and come to look around.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2011: DVD Prices

DVDs are £ 30 each, 3 for £ 60 and 6 for £ 90.

A shop not winning any style marks but a bustling bijou one with its own charm.

The shop is in three distinct sections.
At the front of the shop are Adult Novelties, Games and a wide selection of lingerie as well as Uniforms (Nurses, Police, Army etc). Changing rooms are available.
Second section includes a small variety of Toys, creams, lubricants, further selection of PVC and Bondage items.
At the rear of the shop is a large selection of Video and DVDs as well as wide selection of Adult toys.

From Philip:

They're a spin-off from the She-An-Me fetish shop in Hammersmith. It's a small shop but with good range of lingerie and fetish wear, decent selection of toys and some Videos and DVDs - I'm fairly sure I saw hardcore on display there. The bloke in the shop was very obliging and the prices reasonable.

From a reader:

After a battle with the local council, TLC 48 Windsor Street Uxbridge was granted a licence last October, a small intimate shop that stocks a large range of lingerie, boxed rubber wear and a range of PVC. In the front section of the shop they stock the lingerie etc, alongside a good selection of adult novelties and party gifts. To the middle section they have a selection of shoes and thigh boots that are made to order. A large selection of stockings (often not found elsewhere) and the rear section is devoted to an excellent range of Adult toys, R18 DVD and Video. They also have a good selection of leather bondage wear.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2020: Large range

The shop has a large range of R18s across all genres. DVDs are £25 and £30 each.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2012:

A good range of £20 R18s, with a 3 for £50 discount option. These can be traded in for £10.

Tidy, clean and welcoming.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2014: Muddled

Muddled shop but with friendly manageress.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2019: Most northerly

The UK's most northerly sex shop.

Untidy and looking rather unloved.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2019: Mostly good

Close to the railway station.

There's a good range of R18s at £15 and £25 with multi buy offers at each price point.

Mostly a good shop.

News April 2021: New in Abergavenny

A new shop, Lavish Love has opened in Abergavenny to a great reception on 17th April 2021.

The shop is also open online, stocked with leading sex toys, sexy lingerie and wellbeing products, offering a fast, personal and discreet service with free UK delivery on orders over £30

News March 2021: Lingerie

See article from southwalesargus.co.uk

Owner Shane Lewis told the local council that Lavish Love will predominantly be a women's underwear store, which would not require a licence. He added that he will sell a small selection of adult toys, operating a similar model to national retailer Ann Summers. The shop will stock a wide range of sexy and good quality lingerie.

Press review, July 2018: Our customers know what to expect

Hours and hours can go by without seeing a customer.

See review from getsurrey.co.uk

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2017: Engaging

DVDs were mostly £ 25 with no obvious deals.

A fairly average shop with an engaging manager.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2011: DVD Prices

DVDs were mostly £ 30 with no obvious deals

Thanks to John

The Private Shop is on the outskirts of the town centre and staffed when I went in there by a lady, the manager wasn't there at the time. There's a whole room for DVDs/videos and some more in the main room too and you're welcome to browse at your leisure, I was encouraged to check them out and mostly at £40, or £60 for 2.

A table was set out at one end of main room with leaflets and flyers for pole-dance-tutors, events and sex-related services. Quite a bit of bondage gear, fair selection of toys (I was taken with the good selection of anal love balls) and there were some leather (I presume) boots on display in various colours. A few of the outfits are on display on mannequin bodies and there was a TV on a normal channel ( so it was quite relaxing - don't know if that was ever used for showing any of their videos.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2015: Tick

R18 DVDs are £20, £25 and £30 with some on 3 for 2 or buy 1 get 1 free offers.

A very comprehensive and clean shop that ticks a lot of boxes.

News November 2013: Renewal

Erotica Belle Limited has applied to Test Valley Borough Council to keep trading in The Broadway. It also seeks permission for its front door to remain open in hot weather.

The licence renewal attracted no objections

From Xanadu, February 2015: Moved

Xanadu Relocated in May 2014 to 51 High Street, Ashford, Kent.

Each shop in the Xanadu chain has a vast range of lingerie and a good selection of Toys.

None of the Xanadu Shops is licenced and therefore do not sell R18 films, this may change in the future,

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2014: DVDs

18 rated DVDs were £20-25.

News December 2013: Changes

A new adult boutique has opened at the shop that was once Pillowtalk

News June 2015: Opened

Owner Jacqui Singer said: Lingerie only

There will be something for everyone. Casmir is very elegant and alluring and Chilirose is sexy with attitude.

It won't offend anyone. There won't be any sex toys on show.

We need to make it clear, there will be a difference between the shops.

There won't be anything you don't see in Debenhams. Just beautiful lingerie,

News from Tom, Feb 2008: Reported as closed

News September 2020: ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Individual Store and Best Store Manager.

Review December 2020: BDSM lockdown

See article from kentlive.news : Inside a Kent sex shop in the age of COVID-19

News July 2018: ETO Awards 2018: Winner

Tracey Whitmore won Best Store Manager in the 2016 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

The shop made the local news for stocking the new intelligent sex doll Samantha from Synthea Amatus.

The shop won the award for Best Individual Store.

The shop was also nominated for Best Specialist Retailer

News June 2016: ETO Awards 2015: Winner

Tracey Whitmore won Best Store Manager in the 2016 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

Review from Pat, Feb 2007: Behind Bars

I went to this shop purely because of the write up on this site, and I have to agree with the comments already submitted.

All the DVD's are upstairs and priced at £25, (though they are not in defined category area's and are scattered randomly).

The downstairs has an enormous amount of toys and clothing; there is even a dungeon area, that they have given appropriate lighting to, and set behind ‘bars', to give the right atmosphere to those who wish to buy that sort of gear.

The lady serving was none pushy, friendly, and had a very good sense of humour, really putting me at my ease. When I'm back in the area, I will definitely be revisiting this shop.

Reader review, September 2006: Good Advice

Can only echo what's already been written but have to comment on just how helpful, knowledgeable and approachable the owners are.

I went to the shop in Sep 06 with my girlfriend looking to buy some toys. The male owner gave the most comprehensive run down of lubes possible and got us to try each to see their effects and then showed us around the toys and let us try out what we wanted - no not like that!

When it was obvious that minds hadn't been made up he even called his wife to see what she advised and she came back to the shop to give her 'expert' opinion.

Purchases successfully bought we went home to enjoy and I can only say - very good advice!

I'd happily recommend this shop to anyone wanting a relaxed and non intimidating environment to explore the fun side of life. Excellent way to shop, well done and thanks.

Reader review: Industry View

As someone working in the industry I see a rather large selection of shops of varying quality both licensed and unlicensed across the UK and have to admit that this new store in a quiet industrial estate with ample parking is one of the best and is now fully licensed to sell R18 DVDs.

This sex superstore has vast and clearly marked sections for lingerie, toys, bdsm etc.

There are both male and female staff who are extremely friendly and helpful, the shop is bright and fresh with plenty of room to browse and where you don't feel at all under pressure. The prices are lower than average but you don't feel that quality has been sacrificed for price.

This is the way all adult stores should be!

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2019: Busy

There's a playful window display, a friendly welcome and a busy shop.

Review June 2006

I was in bodystyle at the weekend it has been a while since I was in. Waaaaawooo what a difference its got vibro to sexy underwear. Good for them its a lovely friendly shop.

Reader Review

I have been in a few sex shops up and down the country which I have found most very dark and dinghy. How refreshing, Bodystyle is very bright and modern excellent range of lingerie and of all the toys in a very good location at the top of the town. The lady behind the counter is very helpful and pleasant to chat to, all ages where coming and going when I was in and would certainly recommend this shop highly.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2016: Don't look

£ 10 hardcore magazines were marked sealed, do not open.

DVDs were mostly £ 25, with 3 for £ 50 and 7 for £ 100 offers. Others premium titles were £ 30.

A pleasant and expansive shop.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2014: Beyond charming

The manageress was beyond charming.

The stock was broad and interesting.

R18 DVDs are £ 15 to £ 25. There is also a 3 for the price of 2 deal on DVDs and toys

From Liberty Belfast

On the adult side of things our extensive range of goods (too much to list it all) includes everything from hen and stag night novelties, naughty adult gifts and games, lingerie, shoes-boots, dress up, fetish wear, sex toys for him - her and couples.

News November 2014: Licence refused

Belfast City Council has said no to licensed sex shops on a city centre street. The committee claimed that the appropriate number of sex establishments in the Gresham Street locality remain as nil .

News September 2014: Licence Application

Belfast Council moralists have in the past have refused to grant sex shop licences just because. In 2003 Miss Behavin' applied for a licence which was rejected. The shop initiated an appeal which was escalated all the way to the UK's high court which eventually upheld the council's right to ban sex shops just because they felt like it.

Now Miss Behavin' look set to apply for a licence again and early reports from councillors is that opinions are 'divided' which looks a lot more promising than in 2003.

News November 2014: Licence refused

Belfast City Council has said no to licensed sex shops on a city centre street. The committee claimed that the appropriate number of sex establishments in the Gresham Street locality remain as nil .

News October 2014: Licence Application

MissTique has joined Miss Behavin' by submitting an application for a licence for a second sex shop called Misstique in the same area.

News, May 2015: Mentioned in Dispatches

The shop was mentioned in the news when a shoplifting case was heard in court.

From the archive:

The longest running sex shop in the city (and indeed Ireland).

The shop is of a moderate size and nicely presented. A good range of DVD's and videos (yes, somebody is still selling them!) plus a wide variety of toys, novelties and adult mags. Helpful staff a plus as well. Well worth a visit.

News May 2012: ETO Awards 2012

Scandals has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2012 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

From Dawn: Recent refurb

Even before its recent refurbishment making the shop at least 4 times as big, it was well worth a visit for all your sexual needs and more. The staff would order you stuff that they didn't have in and they nearly always had items in.

Since it's recent refurb, however, their stock has become more widespread with new items arriving every day. The staff knew their regulars and would show the latest arrivals they knew we would enjoy. Their array of vibrators and anal toys was vast, along with their dvds and videos.

The staff are great, they try out all the items and will let u try the open vibrators that are behind the counter before you buy. They make you feel welcome and follow our own belief that sex is completely natural and as a woman feel at ease going in their on my own.

Scandals is well worth a visit

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2020: Tidy

Tidy, comprehensive + good staff

News October 2019: License renewed

The licence was renewed despite a whinge from the nighbouring Old Rep theatre complaining about people handing around.

News July 2019: Changed hands

Adult World in Hay Mills changed hands in 2013. The owners further acquired the city centre shop and sex cinema on Hinkley Street in July 2019.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2013: Perfectly Decent

No longer any reference to a sex cinema but still has lap dancing and preview booths.

Most R18 DVDs are a basic £30 but have a 3 for 2 offer. There are also titles at £20 and a clearance line at £10.

There was a helpful manager who made for perfectly decent licensed store.

Review from Gerry, Oct 2009: Spot On

Your current comments are spot on.

DVDs are expensive, cinema show is excellent. Striptease is fine and the young lady doubles up as the lap dancer. Lap dance costs £20.

Review July 2006: 'one-stop' sex central

I know this review section is supposed to be about shops. How about a shop, a cinema, preview booths, a striptease (four times daily), Oh! yes! I forgot...a private lapdance... No kidding!

As far as I know this place is a one-off! This 'shop' is simply a 'one-stop' sex central

The sex shop alone is worth a visit. They must have 2000 titles available. A great range of toys and clothing too... there were a few ladies in there and couples. As well the usual mix of guys like myself.

It has a 100 seat cinema... playing many of the latest releases. Special preview booths are there too... and I've only ever seen these in Amsterdam. These were great. You can check out a movie before you buy it. The striptease was free, as it was in with the cost of the admittance into the cinema.. About £10 I think. Not sure about the private dance, but this was definitely available.

The staff were very helpful and polite and asked if their help were needed, which it wasn't as they'd already done such a good display of categorizing their movies.

As I reached to pay for my DVD's... My eye was taken to a fantastic area for all sorts of sexual enhancers... too many to mention here.. But I'm sure they'll be needed in a few years.

A one-stop sex centre in the middle of the country a stone's throw away from New Street Station... A wonderful idea in a great location... well worth a visit... How much was that lapdance again?

January 2006: Good Range

Shop is quite small but with a good range of films – just a token amount of other stuff (clothes / toys etc).

Only problem is the prices - £35 per DVD. I understand the cost of the licence is £9000 but London is only a train ride away and at £20 per film you would only need to buy a few to pay for a train ticket….

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, November 2018: Full range

Nothing much seemed to be missing

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2020: Convenient  

Convenient for the coach station

News, May 2018: Congratulations

The shop made the local news when an advertising hoarding above the shop hosted a poster congratulating the royal couple.

The prominent, but miserable, local MP Jess Phillips felt that somehow it was 'inappropriate' for a sex shop to be so close to a poster congratulating Harry and Megan.

Employees at shop pointed out that they had no control over the choice of posters appearing in the advertising space.

From a reader, Feb 2007: Wow, What a Shop

What a delightful experience, well modern stylish a bit classy even! 'yeah in a sex shop '

The staff were very helpful and if there was something you are looking that they don't already have they get on the phone there and then, to order it for you.

When I got hold of the 2 back issues of my Harmony Concepts films that same week I was 'well happy' even more so as I got them at the standard rate + discount!

ALWAYS a genuine bargain to be had on their sale shelf too starting at £14.99 seems to be a honest shop that's stood the time.

From a reader:

A bright clean (unsleazy) licensed shop near city centre , with friendly helpful staff. Stocking over 200 R18 titles (video and DVD), magazines, excellent range of toys .

I informed the shop owner of your site, and she is gonna offer a discount to future customers who mention your site.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2020: Grungy range of DVDs

Pleasantly grungy

Comment, Oct 2009: Gay

The shop is now totally gay

Review December 2004: Funky Crop Shop

Gay oriented store. Tired looking displays. R18 DVDs £30 but on sale at £20 at time of visit.

Also features a solarium, funky crop shop, hairdresser and piercing studio.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2020: OK

An OK shop

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2013: Traditional

A very traditional shop.

DVDs range from £10 bargains to £40 for some fetish titles.

A good manager and a good atmosphere.

January 2006:

Shop looks a little drab from the outside but inside it is well laid out with a reasonable range of films grouped according to category. Doesn't stock
much in the way of toys etc. I wanted to buy a couple of films but £35 each . I asked about reduced prices such a 2 for £50 and was told no but pointed to a rack of films on offer for £20 each – unfortunately nothing took my fancy although they were all OK films (if a little old).

Staff were friendly and helpful despite not agreeing to a multi-buy deal!

From Taboo Cinema Club: Adult films

Our facilities include 2 main cinemas showing a wide variety of adult films.

Films change on Mondays and Thursdays - we offer Block Tickets which enables you to visit as many times as you like during the week.

Snacks and hot and cold drinks are available and there is a seated area for you to relax and make new friends.

Our car park at the rear of the cinema is covered by CCTV.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2017: Impressive

Attentive staff and a busy shopping atmosphere.

Am accomplished and impressive store.

Reader review, Feb 2008: Crammed Full of DVDs

The shop was your typical corner shop type and was a long walk away from the tourist resort of Blackpool.

The shop was crammed full of DVDs and magazines but was limited on toys.

The prices was reasonable for Hardcore DVDs but the deals didn't make you want to buy.

It wouldn't be my first choice in Blackpool

News September 2020: ETO Awards: Winner

The shop was nominated for Best Individual Store and SUe Judge won the Best Store Manager award.

News, June 2017: ETO Awards 2017: Winner

Saints & Sinners in Blackpool has won the award for Best Store Manager.

Also finalist for Best Individual Store.

News March 2016: Drinks licence

Blackpool sex shop Saints & Sinners has been granted a licence to serve alcohol on its premises.

The store already has a lounge area which serves coffee, where customers can wait while their partners try on items of lingerie, and this will now also offer wine, champagne, Prosecco, and chilled beers. It is believed to be the first adult store to be granted an alcohol licence.

News June 2014: Nominated for ETO Awards

The shop was nominated for Best Retailer and Most Innovative Retailer in the 2014 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses. The shop manager was nominated for Best Store Manager.

Saints & Sinners in Blackpool has won the award for Best Individual Shop for the 2013 Erotic Trade Only (ETO) Awards

News May 2012: ETO Awards 2012

Saints & Sinner has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2012 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

From Informed Consent, February 2006: Community Store

Fantastically warm and friendly adult shop catering for the bdsm community as well. No visit to Blackpool is complete without a visit to saints and sinners. Fetish gear for BBW's on the hangers.

Reader Review:

Saints & Sinners has to be one of the nicest, least seedy adult shops I've visited. The store is clean and bright... unless of course you decide to take a trip to the dungeon... no it's not that bad! A really nicely fitted out basement serves as a fantastic S&M show room, while the main shop is very open and well lit (unlike some shops!).

My girlfriend and I felt happy going in as a couple & we've even been back individually, and always felt welcome! Think Ann Summers with less purple, more light and less commercial!

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2011: Well Presented and Discreet

The shop is owned and managed by Dom Productions which specialises in fetish/BDSM DVDs. So a fair amount of related material is on sale.

There were some expensive DVDs on sale for £ 40 but there were deals of 3 for 2 on gay films and there was a promotional box of £ 15 DVDs.

Perhaps a little pricey, but overall, a well presented discreet shop.

New shop very friendly is in an industrial estate but this is not a problem as the shop is light and airy good range of stock which should grow with time also willing to source non stock items.

From the Shop:

We have just been granted our Licence for our first shop.

The shop decor is in blue and silver low level ceiling, downlighters, spot lights, Modern shop furniture, Huge range of DVD's, Magazines, Sex toys and novelties.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2020: Relatively small

A relatively small branch.

DVDs were £23 each and there were clearance lines at 3 for £30.

Generally impressed with a serviceable store.

News September 2020: Licence renewed

The shop's licence renewal was duly approved by Bolton Council.

From Heather, July 2006: Comfy

I went in there with my boyfriend about a year ago to make a purchase and expected to feel very intimidated being female, but I felt the opposite, I was accepted like any other customer, with just one guy behind the counter, who was most helpful, we weren't rushed or pressured, the shop is only small but with a great choice of toys and DVDs which we looked at as well as mags, books and bondage gear.

I felt comfortable and wouldn't mind going in without my other half if I wanted.

Our purchase was wrapped in brown paper for discretion and we left feeling comfy.

It is a licenced shop and I would recommend it to all who wish to browse and purchase.

Offsite Review, March 2017: A look inside Scandals Adult Store

See article from liverpoolecho.co.uk

From Scandals, July 2010: Pride in quality

We pride ourselves on the quality of our products. This coupled with high quality service, expert product knowledge and discretion we can help and advise you to choose the perfect product from our wide array of products.

We also stock a huge selection of sexual health products and are knowledgeable and able to assist you in finding the correct one for you

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2016: Warm welcome

A warm welcome but no follow up offer of help.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2016: Very good

DVDs are mostly £ 25 with clearance lines at 3 for £ 30 or others at £ 6 each.

There are magazines on clearance at 3 for £ 10.

Very good independent store

News from Easy Tiger, August 2012: Expanding

Easy Tiger has been granted permission from the council to open a second retail floor in the basement. This will give extra space to expand to be one of the largest sex shops in the south of England.

Also note the new opening times Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2012: Mixed gay and straight

DVDs are mostly £ 30 with some stickered as Buy One, Get One Free.

A quirky shop offering a friendly welcome and a warm goodbye.

News, June 2012: Best Diamond Jubilee Shop Display

Bournemouth organised a Diamond Jubilee contest prize for Bournemouth's best window display. The Easy Tiger store in The Triangle was crowned as winner for its red, white and blue display with slogans including polish your crown jewels and keep calm, keep it up .

The win was down to a public vote, and Easy Tiger's 87 votes were 40 higher than their closest rival.

Easy Tiger was presented with the Best Independent Jubilee Window Display by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce at the Hotel Miramar. The chamber's vice-president Mandy Payne said it made everyone smile when the winner was announced.

From White Tiger, March 2010: Light & Modern

White Tiger offers a huge selection of Adult Toys and R18 DVDs (from as little as £6).

It is also a place to buy Regulation rubber and leather wear, jocks, underwear, lingerie, bondage equipment as well as your naughty novelties and cards.

Owned by the former manager of Clone Zone in Bournemouth.

The shop still has its original Victorian frontage and is light, modern and open at the front with friendly welcoming staff.

News April 2009: Spin-off from Clone Zone

White Tiger Europe Ltd was granted a sex establishment licence for 12 months for Triangle Adult Store, a lifestyle shop for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers, run by the former manager of Clone Zone.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2016: A wonderfully broad range

This is the larger of the two Simply Pleasure stores in Bournemouth.

R18s are £ 30 with a 3 for the price of 2 deal.

A wonderfully broad range of pretty much everything.

News June 2014: Nominated for ETO Awards

The shop manager was nominated for Best Store Manager in the 2014 ETO Awards. These are trade awards voted on by UK adult shop businesses.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2012: Large and friendly

DVDs are mostly £ 30 with a 3 for the price of 2 deal.

The shop was fun to visit with a friendly manageress. A really engaging licensed adult shop.

Reader review:

The Adult Store is a fairly new addition to the list and is a much more pleasant shop to visit. The shop outdoes the others on the magazine side, with a massive selection available, particularly the Buttman and Hustler / Barely Legal range at reasonable prices.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2016: Compact

This is the smaller of the two Simply Pleasure stores in Bournemouth.

It has free parking outside.

A delightfully compact store with a first class managaress.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, August 2012: Compact and friendly

DVDs are mostly £ 30 with a 3 for the price of 2 deal. There are also older titles at £ 15 each.

The shop is clean, compact, friendly, convenient and has character.

News Oct 2008: Perfectly Well Run

The sex shop licence was renewed by the council with the endorsement:

Cllr David Kelsey, vice president of the licensing board, defended the decision to renew the licence: It's a perfectly well run business. It doesn't downgrade the area at all.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2012: Best in Bradford

R18 DVDs were £25 each with multiple offers of 3 for £50 or 5 for £70 or 7 for £100. There is also a range at £2 also with discounts on multiple buys.

There's a strong gay range, ManZone.

A basic shop but well presented.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2012: Best in Bradford

An extensive shop with discreet access and parking.

R18 DVDs were £25 each with multiple offers of 3 for £50 or 7 for £100.

Open, bright, fun, welcoming and safe-feeling.

From Pulse & Cocktails, March 2007: Ultimate Experience

This is a large adult superstore and is split into two departments

This first is Cocktails, which has an excellent range of sexy lingerie, costumes PVC, latex and hosiery in a variety of styles ranging from sizes 8-26. This department also has a huge selection of naughty novelties, games and hen and stag night products

Pulse is where the shopping adventure really begins! The sex toys department is huge with literally thousands of toys from every corner of the globe with many items available to touch in the 'switch on and try before you buy' display area. This store also has an exclusive range of erotic furniture.

This store has a fantastic adult film department with over 3,000 different titles covering every type and subject imaginable. This department also has a 42" plasma screen showing trailers of the latest films. The store also has an excellent, Gay DVD section with over 300 titles. The DVDs are very competitively priced and Pulse & Cocktails offers an excellent exchange system on all films. The store has a huge range of books and magazines, none of which are sealed and all at very competitive prices.

Head towards Bradford city centre on Tong Street and we are situated on the right hand-side,100 yards past Tong Street Motors, next door to Arctic Spas and Motosave

The free private car park is easy to spot as it has a blue fence around it.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper , November 2013: Cheery manager

There's a friendly helpful and cheery manager.

Loads of R18s at £25 or £50 for 3. Otherwise full priced DVDs are £30 and bargain bin titles are £15 or £30 for 3.

Like an unwashed dog, a bit smelly but loveable and sweet it its own way.

From Richard, December 2005:

A bookshop with a porn magazine section discreetly located at the back, the porn mags can be exchanged the same way as their books - so long as they are in "good condition" of course.

They also stock a few reasonably priced sex toys and and adult dvd's

It's a friendly enough shop that doesn't attract to many weirdo's. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit the place, but for a small shop it is well stocked on porn mags - and they can be had very cheap if you don't mind buying "pre-owned".

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, March 2018: Safe space

Is Ann Summers feeling a bit too safe these day? Compared to most adult stores they are not at all edgy.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2013: Basically Nice

Ann Summers still delivers on every aspect of adult retail.

Basically nice.

News from Channel 4, May 2019: The Sex Shop Family

Channel 4 and Crackit Productions are going behind the scenes of an extraordinary family business for a one-off documentary. T he Sex Shop Family will follow the Richardsons, whose stock in trade is sex toys and whose staff meetings focus on the merits of a gimp mask or the latest vibrators.

Head of the family is dad and self-made businessman Tim. He's run Brighton sex shops Taboo and Lust for over two decades.

As well as explore the intriguing family dynamics, the film will welcome viewers into the colourful, secret world of the sex shop, where every kink is catered for, whether the customer is hankering for fluffy handcuffs or a life-sized sex doll. The family's eye-wateringly frank dealings with their clientele will give the audience a unique insight into the nation's sex lives.

See also article from thesun.co.uk

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, March 2018: Fun

The shop presents a cohesive message...sex is fun, with a presentation that owes more to gadget stores.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2013: Nothing to dislike

The shop mixes racy gift lines with adult products and a fair amount of smoking themes merchandise.

The limited space has been used beautifully.

Nothing to dislike.

News from Lust! August 2008: Bedroom Fun

There is a brand new shop called LUST!

Brighton's biggest sexy lifestyle store, 3 floors of desire selling erotic accessories and clothing, DVDs, books, lingerie, shoes, sexy gifts.

Everything for you could possibly desire for your bedroom fun. Female staffed and gay/lesbian friendly

Review from Les, August 2019: A gem

A Gem of a Find

Visited Brighton over Pride for the first time this year, and found this perfect shop on St James St. Been to Brighton before, but never here, and what a mistake. It's a fantastic shop with really helpful staff and a vast array of products, and ended up with a bag full of joy! I will definitely be back and will happily tell all my friends to pay it a visit when they are in Brighton. A true gem in the adult shops.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2017: Very Nice

The shop has gay and trans ranges of DVDs along with many other genres. Prices points are 20, 24 and 35 with a 15 cheap bin. There are lots of multi buy deals too.

Very nice.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2013: Excellent selection

An excellent selection of gay and straight interest products.

There's a large display of gay DVDs with the appropriate lifestyle products and toys.

Straight R18s are £20 - £25 with no particular deals accept bargains at £10.

News May 2012: ETO Awards 2012

At this year's prestigious ETO Industry Awards, held at the NEC, Birmingham on Sunday 24th June, Adult shop Nice n Naughty Brighton won the coverted Best Individual Store 2012.

The award was accepted by Director Trish Murray and Brighton store manager Philip Price. The award was narrowed down to a short list of five across the UK, and voted for by the individuals with in the UK adult industry.

News May 2010: ETO Awards 2010

Nice 'n' Naughty has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2010 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

Located on St James Street, this was formerly a branch of Clonezone until it was acquired by Nice n Naughty last year. The store has since been refurbished and the stock range broadened.

News from Chris, Feb 2009: Clone Becomes Naughty

I visited what used to be Clonezone on St James' Street and it is now Nice 'n' Naughty.

I was greeted by a really nice girl (think she was the naughty one LOL). Something that was a surprise in the shop, as normally when I nip in to a gay store, you normally get ignored by the staff!

It had some really nice bits, and seemed to cater for us gay boys and girls really well. I ended up getting a couple of dvds on a multi buy offer, and to my surprise was actually given some customer service!

They had a suggestion box on the counter, and the boy and girl there were really sweet and helpful.

So going to wish the new guys n gals there a lot of luck for the future, nice to see a shop that looks after its customers and willing to get them what they want in a shop.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2017: Window couldn't be gayer

DVDs were price from £ 11 to £ 30 with smallish savings on multi-buys

News April 2017: New ownership

The Prowler Group went into administration in March 2017. The Brighton store has now been bought by ABS Holdings who run the Simply Pleasure chain and will continue to trade.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2013: Impressed

The space is split in two with a 'licensed rear' section. R18's were £ 16.50 or 3 for £ 45. The shop has a large screen showing a selection from the range.

The front section features a bargain bucket of softcore 18 rated videos.

I was impressed with what I saw.

From Prowler, January 2006:

Right in the heart of Brighton's gay village, the newest Prowler Store offers a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience in a stylish, well-appointed environment. The store's light airy front space offers a range of fashion, books, cards, gifts, magazines and accessories. At the rear of the store is the "Blue Room" section, complete with mirrored ceiling, which stocks our full range of aromas, sex toys and R18 titles.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2017: Friendly

Friendly and chatty manageress who was helpful and knowledgeable.

This deceptively compact store is still very nicely done.

News from She Said, December 2016: Moved

She Said Boutique in Brighton is now at 32 Ship Street and is still doing what they do very well indeed. It is now on two floors with extensive designer lingerie on the ground, and adult toys / fetish fashion / bondage etc on the upper floor.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2013: Proactive and friendly

Two excellent ladies invited me in and were proactive and friendly. They improved an already nice place to be in.

News November 2012: No Longer Tickled

Rebranded from Tickled to join the She Said chain in November 2012.

From Tickled website June 2012: Y our pleasure is our pleasure

Tickled erotic boutique has one simple philosophy: your pleasure is our pleasure. Both the website and our Brighton store exist to help provide you with the very best toys, lingerie, sex books and erotic accessories to help you have the sex life that you want.

All of our products have been tested to ensure that they meet our rigorous standards: if a toy doesn't do the job, we don't stock it. End of story.

Our staff are specially trained to ensure that they can answer any question you may have about your sex life, from finding the perfect toy to hit the G-spot to introducing a little spice into your relationship; selecting a harness that fits perfectly to experimenting with BDSM in a safe and sexy way. There's no judgement and no giggling: just good, honest advice.

We're here to answer your questions and help you have the sex life of your (naughtiest) dreams.

News from Channel 4, May 2019: The Sex Shop Family

Channel 4 and Crackit Productions are going behind the scenes of an extraordinary family business for a one-off documentary. T he Sex Shop Family will follow the Richardsons, whose stock in trade is sex toys and whose staff meetings focus on the merits of a gimp mask or the latest vibrators.

Head of the family is dad and self-made businessman Tim. He's run Brighton sex shops Taboo and Lust for over two decades.

As well as explore the intriguing family dynamics, the film will welcome viewers into the colourful, secret world of the sex shop, where every kink is catered for, whether the customer is hankering for fluffy handcuffs or a life-sized sex doll. The family's eye-wateringly frank dealings with their clientele will give the audience a unique insight into the nation's sex lives.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, March 2018: Still excellent

There's a buzzer entry system.

R18 DVDs are around £30 with 2 for £50 or 3 for £70

No convenient parking though.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2017: Excellent

There's a buzzer entry system.

R18 DVDs are around £30 with a 3 for 2 offer.

Excellent.

Review from Gerry, August 2013: Full of goodies

Taboo is full of goodies, including an attractive manageress. There are lots of full priced DVDs, but also a massive selection of quality second hand at 5 for 30 pounds.

Being Brighton there was also a large selection of gay DVDs

News May 2010: ETO Awards 2010

Taboo has been nominated for the Best Individual Store in the 2010 Erotic Trade Only Awards:

One of the first retailers to get full marks from our Mystery Shopper, Brighton's Taboo went on to win the Mystery Shopper award for the best overall store visited at 2006's ETO awards.

From Mystery Shopper, May 2005:

Combining the best of the boutique style decor with a licence to sell real porn, it was the last and best shop I visited in Brighton. Split into three distinct sections, a lot has been done with relatively limited space.

The main space featured fetish clothing and the third room was the BDSM and bondage equipment area.

There were no magazines nor VHS tapes. There was however a display of fiction and non-fiction books

DVDs on most subjects could be found, with fetish titles particularly well represented. £30 each, £50 for 2, £70 for 3 and £100 for 5.

A pervy paradise and this remarkable retailers gets a remarkable score. Full marks.

From Peter

I was very pleasantly surprised when I visited Taboo in Brighton. The salesman was very helpful, advising my partner and myself on items for experimental bondage etc. I would recommend Taboo to anyone in the Brighton area, and have been back several times now, inspite of the 80 mile round trip to get there!

From a reader

I can concur with the positive statements about the shop. When I was shopping there was a week long special on videos/DVDs which were priced at £30. I was also given a free DVD as an introductory offer.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2016: Not bad

With a welcoming manageress, this wasn't a bad place to be.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, March 2017: Lingerie

There is much to love about this company's lingerie offerings.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2016: Complete package

The manager couldn't have been more helpful, while giving me all the space I needed.

A comparatively small range of DVD's were in the range of £ 10 to £ 25, all with a 3 for 2 offer.

Rarely do I see such a 'complete package'.

From Will, July 2012: Friendly and Helpful

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2016: Comparable

Lots of R18s are mostly £25 or £30 each or else there's a 3 for 2 offer. There also clearance films at £10 each or £25 for 3.

Clean and tidy with comparable prices to the local competition.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2012: Well Stocked

R18s are mostly £25 each but with a 3 for £25 offer. Others were £30, £50 for 2 and £60 for 3. 50% exchange on DVds.

A clean, tidy and well stocked shop

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2016: Basic

A good range of R18s at £25 or £30 each with a 3 for 2 offer.

A little basic but not unpleasant

By ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2012: Enthusiastic manager

R18s are mostly £25 each but with a 3 for 2 offer. There are a few premium titles at £30.

An enthusiastic manager helped score the shop amongst the better UK adult stores.

News June 2010: Licensed

The owner argued that he needed to sell the films and material aimed at the gay community to save the shop from closure.

Bristol City Council's public safety and protection committee gave the application the thumbs up after more than 20 letters and emails supporting the application had been sent in by traders and residents in Old Market. Only two objections were received.

Review from Nic, Oct 2008: Polite & Helpful

I visited a few days ago and found the guy who ran the shop quite polite. He let me just browse around with no interruptions but was helpful when I could not find what I was looking for.

The shop sells a range of adult toys, shoes, fetish wear and looks to cater for TV, crossdressers.

Also sells a range of DVDs too. Located on a fairly quiet street with 2 other adult shops next door.

Offsite Review, September 2018: Take a look inside

See article from bristolpost.co.uk

News, September 2018: Prowlers discovered in Simply Pleasure

The gay sex shop chain Prowler has opened a store inside Simply Pleasure sex shop in Bristol. Prowler specialises in gay sex toys, underwear, clothing and accessories, as well as DVDs, books and calendars.

The Bristol branch has opened on the top floor of general sex shop Simply Pleasure on Bond Street. It is being managed by former customer Cameron Reid, who said he was inspired to help bring the Prowler brand to Bristol after realising a huge proportion of Simply Pleasure was just unused, wasted space.

From Vape Head: Sex toys, sexy shoes & enhancements

Vape Head Adultstore is an unlicensed Adult & Vape store selling sex toys, sexy shoes, lingerie, stockings and male toys & enhancements, creams, poppers etc. The home of Dynamite Herbal Enhancement Pills For Men & Women.

We also stock PVC, Fetishwear, Magazines & Dvds with a full selection of Vape Kits, E liquids & Juices.

We have ample free parking at the front and back of the shop.

You can also buy our sexy products from our website www.mysexytoys.co.uk

Review from Alan, August 2011: Good Contacts

The Adult Shop has been selling proper porn since 1974.

The shops has over 5000, yes 5000, different adult DVDs from £ 4.95.

There are 300 sq feet of toys on display, and there is also a fantastic range of erection pills, every type of Aroma and the finest collection of contact mags in the UK.

Very friendly and helpful staff too.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, April 2018: Cheery

I was greeted by a chatty manager with a cheery welcome.

DVDs are priced at £20, £25 and £30.

The visit was a very pleasing experience.

Review from Vince, June 2007: So Many Vibrators

I found this shop the other day, and Wow, its got to be the best sex shop in Suffolk.

It's got everything you could want, great selection of R18 DVD's from £19.99-£34.99.

OK it's not a huge shop, but I have never seen so many different make of vibrators in one shop. He has everything in there, and the prices are the best I have ever seen.

The guy how runs it was very helpful and had a good way with customers. My partner felt very relaxed in there, and he can tell you everything you will need to know about the toys.

I would go back time and time again, so if you are in the area its a must if you enjoy sex shops!

Review from Martin: Friendly Staff

Small, varied but limited stock, friendly staff.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2015: Nice

A nice atmosphere with engaging staff

News July 2017: Makeover

The shop has been open for over 30 years but always looked a little run down until now.

The store design is now a classy light gray. The railings are freshly painted and the entrance area now blends in with the historic townhouses surrounding the shop.

The store has an exclusively female staff and is licensed by the City Council. According to the shop, it is the only [licensed] sex shop within a 20-mile radius.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2015: More charm than many

Parking outside was 50p for 30 minutes.

R18 DVDs are £25 to £30 each or 3 for £60. Bargain titles at 3 for £30 and there are pre-owned films for £10 each.

A private Shop with more charm than many licensed shops.

News January 2014: Proposed fee reduction

Cambridge's sole licensed sex shop is set for a boost as the council is set to reduce the licence fee for a sex shop by 49%, from £4,916 to £2,500.

Review from Nick, November 2009: Mainly films

Mainly films, some toys, limited clothing/bondage stuff.

The woman who works there most of the time stares as if everyone's a shoplifter to her. Avoid at all costs

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, December 2020: Free parking

There's free parking right outside.

DVDs are generally £25 with a 3 for 2 offer. There are also bargain buckets.

It's a perfectly pleasant trading estate box of delights.

From the Mystery Shopper at ETO, May 2011: Top recommendation

Visiting this shop is a naughty treat and this is a top recommendation.

From Leo

The shop is in a modern unit on an easily accessible trading estate just outside Cannock and Hednesford.

Good parking outside the front, very well laid out, clean, airy and great stock of R18 video/DVD, all sorts of toys, clothing etc.

They cater for all manner of tastes and their pleasant and helpful staff that make you feel comfortable.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2014: Top Marks

The shop was clean, tidy and fully deserving top marks for the shopping experience

News March 2015: The Masters Room

Following the successful launch of its Boiler Room space last year, Canterbury retailer La Boudoir Boutique has unveiled its secret back room called The Masters Room, which it describes as a carefully put together space with a French gothic feel and theatrical decor throughout. The company said:

The room is filled with only the finest BDSM furniture to inspire and seduce anyone looking to create their own playroom. The aim of The Masters Room is to engage the BDSM community, providing high quality, bespoke furniture from a range of respected suppliers such as House Of Eros, Slave to Love, Sling Master and Rouge Garments.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, June 2014: High Standards

Friendly manageress lived up to the high standards of presentation.

News August 2013: Grand Opening

La Boudoir Boutique was joined by celebs, suppliers and leading industry writers at its Grand opening event. The new business introduced itself with presentations, competitions, a calendar photo shoot and readings by erotic authors Kay Jaybee and KD Grace.

From La Boudoir Boutique, July 2013: Sex toys, lingerie and fetish clothing

We are an unlicensed sex shop, and we specialise in selling sex toys for men, women and couples, lingerie and fetish clothing and pride ourselves in having an open and friendly shop that breaks the age old tradition of the seedy sex shop.

We will also be offering classes and erotic photography packages after working hours, although details are still to be finalised.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2019: A pleasant place to be

A few too many grumble-points but still a pleasant place to be with some great clearance deals.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2019: Free parking

There is nearby free parking for up to 2 hours.

A welcome, offer or help and a run through of deals was appreciated from the manageress.

R18s were at two price levels:

• £20 each or 3 for £40
• £35 each or 2 for £50

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2013:

There's a huge range of fetishwear.

DVD's are £35, £25, & £20 with offers on multiples.

Review from VG, Dec 2006: Basquing in Praise

I recently shopped here for an outfit to wear to the Rocky Horror Show. Having decided to dress as Frank-N-Furter, I felt completely at ease walking through the doors into the well lit room. I think I happened to be served by the owner, who was very helpful and had a thorough search for the best value purchases and gave a little package-discount even though there was already a sale on.

I would completely recommend anyone wishing to get something that little different to have a look here. Happy shopping!

From the Mystery Shopper, January 2005:

The window display was rather higgledy-piggledy but interesting and colourful enough to draw the eye. From the outside it looks huge but it's perhaps only 10 feet wide.

The DVDs ranged from £30 to £40. (2 for £75, 3 for £100). There was also a buy 3 for £70 or 6 for £100 deal on cheaper titles.

From Karen

As a regular visitor to this store I have to agree with Tony. This shop is great, something for everyone, from outfits to a women's size 26 to the hardcore DVDs/videos on which they do great deals. As a woman I find the atmosphere non-threatening – they're staff are friendly and approachable and as a refreshing change, not all male. For the shy women out there, my advice is to go on a Thursday when there are two women behind the counter. There is always some leniency on price – they will try to get you the best for your money, so don't be afraid to ask for a deal on multiple items. Happy shopping!

From a reader

There is a really large sex shop in Cardiff called Lovecraft, it's a licensed shop and they sell hardcore videos and magazines, as well as lots of toys and clothing. My self and my husband were not at all embarrassed to go in, it's bright and the staff are friendly, and prices are very reasonable.

Although they have an extensive selection of dvds/vids/mags and toys they are pretty expensive e.g; vids are 35 quid and dvds are fifty...

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2019: Quirky

Definitely the quirkiest store I visited in Cardiff.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, October 2011: Welcome

This enormous shop deserves its 'impressive shopping experience' rating for its range, price and welcome.

From the Shop, Dec 2006: Sexy Shop

Passion is a 2000 sq. ft. sexy shop on City Road, Cardiff just 5 minutes walk from the main shopping area of Cardiff Queen Street.

From the Shop, Dec 2006: Sexy Shop

Passion is a 2000 sq. ft. sexy shop on City Road, Cardiff just 5 minutes walk from the main shopping area of Cardiff Queen Street.

The shop is unlicensed, and women and couples feel very comfortable shopping there for sex toys, sexy clothing of all kinds including stripper wear, PVC, leather and quality rubber, plus menswear, over 50 styles of sexy shoes & boots, and much more.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2019: New Lower Prices

The shop was adorned with signs announcing that it was Under New Management with New Lower Prices .

R18s were at two price levels:

• £20 each or 3 for £40
• £25 each or 3 for £50

The shop was towards the upper end f verage. Nice.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2013:

A decent store with a good enthusiastic manager.

From ETO's Mystery Shopper, February 2013: Perfect welcome

The manager gave a textbook perfect welcome and offer of help.

A respectable range of £30 DVD and £15 older titles. 3 for 2 offers apply for multiple buys.

My favourite store of the day.

News, February 2019: Closing

The store is set to close on 31st March 2019.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2014: Middle of the Road

Pretty middle of the pedestrianised road sort of Ann Summers.

News, May 2015: Mentioned in Dispatches

See article from newsandstar.co.uk . The manager spoke to the local paper about customers and the preferences for a discreet shopping experience.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, July 2014: A Warm Welcome

The Mystery Shopper received a warm welcome and offer of help.

R18 DVD's are £ 30 each, 3 for £ 50, 7 for £10 0, or 11 for £15 0

News July 2020: licence application

The shop has applied to renew its licence.

Review from ETO's Mystery Shopper, September 2018: Free parking

A good sized shop in a discreet location with free parking.

Most DVDs are £25 each or 2 for £40.

The shop sells magazines.

Review from Ian, July 2014: Relaxed and welcoming

Located in a small industrial estate just out of the town centre. Plenty of parking at front of the store and for those a little embarrassed you could park around the corner in front of shop

Store

The store was well presented. Offers clothing, sex toys, lubes, magazines and good selection of R18 DVD's.

Movies are all sorted by genre and priced at 25 pound each.

The shop has enough choice to make the even most picky porn loving person happy.

Staff

The pretty lady working in the store was very friendly and chatty. She asked if I had been in before and knew about the return deal and also offered her advice if I needed any.

If you buy any DVD you can return the movie anytime and exchange it for another one for just 10 pound. Found this a good idea as Porn Movies don't last forever.

Some Sex Shops have an uncomfortable atmosphere but Utopia was relaxed and welcoming.

Never visited this store before and would suggest anyone local to the area pay a visit

News from Tyler, April 2012: Moved

The shop has moved from Speedwell Road to their new premises at Savile Road, Precinct. Utopia is located at the bottom of the yard next door to a fishing bait shop.

The staff were very friendly and helpful.

From Utopia, updated Jan 2006:

Granted an uncontested licence and opened in July 2005.

Located in a ultra discreet location 2 minutes from Junction 31 off the M62

We are fully licensed with a huge range of DVD's straight, Bi. Gay & Shemale. All at competitive prices. We have the largest range of toys in stock in the area and a good selection of lingerie.

Now stocking Michelle X shoes glass platform type (Jenna shoes!!). @ £49.99 per pair

New Bargain Section: DVD £15 each 2 or more £10 each

Review from Len, October 2011: Wide range but not quite wide enough

I have used this shop a couple of times. It's trading name is Darker Enterprises.

They have a great selection of films and magazines covering pretty much any and every taste.

They also have a wide range of lubes, dolls, bondage toys and sex toys, including fists/hands, vibrators, dildo's, anal beads, double enders, glass dildo's and butt plugs. Some of the dildo's are huge. They didn't have any really thick / wide butt plugs, various sizes and inflatable ones, but not a wide one for a good stretch!

Staff were very friendly and discrete, making sure that you have what you need for a fun time.