I've been to a few s.x shops around the world, and the word 'nice' isn't one I'd give many (except Good Vibrations in San Francisco). Lucky London's got a really nice one, but men, you must be accompanied by a woman.

The world of toys and porn has for too long been one for gay men and straight men. By men, for men. Walk in as a woman, and you'll either have a good laugh with your new best friend or be made to feel like a dirty little girl.

But Sh! welcomed us with open arms (or should I say legs), and as it was by surprise, it was even sweeter.

Once I got my reluctant boyfriend through the door, it was all good. We were browsing the books, we were turning on the vibrators, we were checking out the clothing.

No one else was in the store except the assistant, who was charming, smiling and happy to help, and the farthest thing from creepy.

Since we wanted to support this wonderful business, we shopped a bit.

Our purchases:

• Masterclass: Blow Jobs, by Alice Metcalfe
• The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex, by Cathy Winks and Anne Semans (their real names)
• ABS Group vibrator (for his place)

The best £50 spent in a long time.

And unlike most purchases, one that still keeps on giving!

Here Is The Writer : Madame B

Foreign-born Madame B thinks she's a City girl, but mostly just walks our streets checking things out and searching for the best wi-fi hotspots offered by The Cloud. You can spot her typing furiously on her shiny white MacBook, wearing dark sunglasses and drinking a glass of champagne. She's one half of the Shopaholics, which might explain things...

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