The same corporate chains as every other ghastly shopping centre.

That was three years ago, now most have pulled out, leaving boarded-up shops, very little footfall.

St Mark's retail is south of the city centre, over the level crossing, then cross a very busy road.

The lower end of the High Street between the level crossing and St Mark's was pedestrianised a couple of years ago, sleazy and run down, charity shops, pawn shops, gambling joints, greasy spoon cafes, closed shops and more due to close.

Pedestrianisation of this section of the High Street does not stop Deliveroo serfs riding through, the wrong way down a one way street. Lack of enforcement.

St Mark's retail desolation, once upon a time St Mark's Railway Station. Many boarded-up shops, corporate chain coffee shops serving disgusting coffee, little footfall.

Two new retailers have moved in, Boyz and Fresh Local & Wild.

Boyz deserted. The only difference from when Boyz was off Sincil Street, lacks trip hazard of buckets collecting water from the leaking roof.

Fresh Local & Wild an interesting concept, a coffee shop, unmanned stalls for local businesses, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, zero waste and art, but in the wrong location. A few lost souls wander in, wander around out of curiosity, wander back out. A few stay for coffee.

The coffee from Seven Districts, skilled baristas, makes worth a visit if in the locality or passing through.

Fresh Local & Wild the saving grace of St Mark's. Were it not for the coffee shop serving excellent coffee, possibility of topping up with zero waste groceries, picking up a loaf of bread and fresh fruit and vegetables there would be no reason to visit St Mark's.

Now three coffee shops worth visiting in Lincoln:

• Madame Waffle
• Coffee Aroma
• Fresh Local & Wild

Avoid the chains and greasy spoon cafes.

Three years ago, before the retail collapse of St Mark's, I gave two-stars, the same rubbish corporate chains find in every ghastly shopping centre. Now little left, little footfall, but Fresh Local & Wild gains it an extra star.