For those who live outside of the UK, Waitrose is a large chain of supermarkets owned by the John Lewis partnership. This is a rather unique store, in as much as all the workers are considered to be partners; and I think all are shareholders. It claims to be an 'Employee Owned Business'.
It's also a reasonably upmarket store, where good quality is pretty well guaranteed (at a slight premium).
I needed a few things, so before heading off I looked online to check their opening hours. On doing so, I noticed that there was a second Waitrose store in Brighton & Hove, which was far more convenient than the city centre store, as I could go by car. I'd had absolutely no idea it was there.
The store in Hove (above) used to be a Co-op, which was very poor quality, so I was extremely pleased to discover that it has now become a Waitrose. It's much closer than the Sainsbury's I usually visit for my weekly shop, and it's a nice wide open airy store, with friendly staff, and a wonderful array of foods. I went quite early and found it to be reasonably quiet, which is important at the moment.
I probably sound like an advert, but I was very happy to discover this store. Eating well is a key part of life, and I won't tolerate rubbish. Waitrose may be a tad more expensive than Sainsbury's, but you get what you pay for, and the selection of foreign foods is remarkable.
And to add to my delight; look what I found (above). It looks, and sounds, like Swedish 'Sill', which is difficult to find other than at Ikea. I haven't tasted it yet, but I'm certain it'll be as I expect.
I've been back in England since mid-October, and it's taken all that time to discover this store. It probably sounds ridiculous, but yesterday felt like my birthday!
29 comments:
I understand that that a Waitrose in the vicinity is supposed to put a few thousand on the value of a house!
That wouldn't surprise me, they're a great asset to a community.
And when in France I love visiting my nearby Leclerc!
I have shopped at our local Waitrose since it opened about 30 years ago. I feel at home there and it's always nice to have a chat to various staff who have been there for a long time, and feel almost like friends. I just wish that they would monitor the car park though....yesterday the barrier coming in was broken and cars were just flooding in with no spaces available. Drove round about 5 times before I got a space !!
No parking problems in Hove. When I went yesterday I mentioned to the checkout lady about it having previously been a Co-op, and she said "Oh, that was years ago". I think she would have liked to have chatted about it for ages. What very nice people they are.
An interesting picture above of that Waitrose branch. It doesn't sell itself as a Supermarket from the outside. It looks more like an out house on a country Farm.
We do have a branch a little way by bus ride in Temple Fortune. And just opposite is Marks & Spencer. So locals have quite a choice.
It’s the little things that please us as we get older !!! Out of all of the supermarkets, Waitrose is my favourite. M&S food is also good but Waitrose is top of my list. Enjoy your herring. XXXX
Our first stop when we landed at Dover after 13 months in Italy was Waitrose, for or a proper breakfast and a proper shop, heaven. In Yorkshire we are fortunate to have a branch nearby plus in our town a Booths supermarket, known as the Waitrose of the north, they are excellent too. So far our town hasn't been Lidled, thank goodness.
What joy! I'd love to browse around Waitrose
Co-operative stores are now much better than they used to be. They have really had a shake up and entered the modern world. You should check one out before you return to The Land of Frogs. I think you will be surprised.
How wonderful that there are little things you can be happy about.
How lucky we are to have a family-owned Deli in its fourth generation and with a marvellous selection of food in our little town. A little more exxpensive as you say but to walk up to the Deli counter for ham and find four different kimds, all 'on the bone' and all cut while you wait. As it happens we also have an absolutely brillianr Co-op - friends who come always say i is the best they have ever been in and I would agree. So the answer seems to be 'shop around'
It's actually a very nice building. Far too good for the old Co-op (who built it), and much more suited to Waitrose. The photo doesn't do it justice.
M & S food hall is excellent too. I don't know why they bother with clothes!
Where I used to live there was a sushi bar inside Waitrose, what a treat! They have a rustic bread from the bakery section that tastes fantastic. it is very much like French Bakery bread. Have a look and see. They used to do one called ancient grains I havent seen it in the Waitrose here but that is very nice its a small half loaf
It's strange when you return to the UK after a long absence; people don't realise what a joy it is. For the moment I can't have enough Pork Pies, Crumpets, Cheddar, and thick sliced 'seedy' wholemeal bread.
You'd love it. So much to tempt you!
We have all the best stores here, so the Co-op would be very low down on my list of preferences. I'll believe you though.
It was such a pleasure finding this store. I'm amazed no-one told me about it.
A good local Deli is a real treat. I can't live without treating myself to nice things on a regular basis.
They have a Sushi bar in the one above, with two very nice Japanese girls running it.
I'm surprised at your scathing remark about the Co-op. The East of England Co-ops that we have here are very good especially in the middle to smaller supermarket range. I have two Waitroses here that I shop at but still also shop at the Co-op. Their wine selection for instance, though much smaller than Waitrose, is outstanding and cheaper and good wines. Their sausages are also very good.
There's a flagship Waitrose supermarket five minutes from our house - by car.
I last visited a Co-op store about 20 years ago (the one above), and it was dire. The staff seemed uninterested and the products on sale all seemed poor quality. It may be different now; I hope it is!
Well our East of England one is.
This store sounds like a real gem. Lately, a trip to the grocery store is pricey but as you say quality is important.
I try not to look at prices. I think France is more expensive than here. My Pounds are going further than my Euros.
What a wonderful find! Happy shopping.
This is my go to store Cro. I love this place. The staff are wonderful, nothing is too much for them and the cafe (not open at the moment) is great. I recently was a little upset in the cafe over the circumstances with Tom, I know the staff there well, they came over with a huge bouquet of flowers from them all on behalf of Waitrose, you wouldn't get that in Tesco etc.
I'll have to keep my eye out for you, lol
Briony
x
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