Tesco
has long been my go-to
supermarket
, and I’ve always considered my nearby branch to be quite well-stocked. It turns out, however, that it pales in comparison to what the folks in
Greater Manchester
enjoy.
The nation’s biggest Tesco, located in
Walkden
, is the largest supermarket in the UK – and among the biggest globally.
Europe
.
Spanning an impressive area of 104,797 square feet, this Tesco store covers approximately the same space as a Manhattan city block and is double the size of Bill Gates’s residence.
Interestingly, this makes it eight times larger than Manchester Cathedral, which is only 30 minutes away to the east.
While technically classified as a ‘hypermarket’, this store includes numerous vendors and several amenities I had not encountered before.
any other Tesco
.
Arriving at Tesco Walkden
To be honest, my initial impression was somewhat underwhelming. The store appeared much smaller than I had anticipated based on what I’d imagined. Hearing about ‘the UK’s largest Tesco’ makes you envision an enormous shopping complex, perhaps similar to the exterior of the Death Star (though without the ominous appearance).
Clubcard
sticker on it).
Nevertheless, externally, the shop appears quite similar to any typical Tesco Extra. Clearly, it is big; however, it’s challenging to grasp just how extensive it really is—until you step inside, that is.
As soon as you step inside, the vastness of the space truly strikes you. The ceilings appear extraordinarily tall, and I tally nearly 40 aisles dedicated solely to groceries (the store encompasses more than 60 aisles altogether).
It took me exactly two minutes and six seconds to complete the 187 steps required to traverse from one side of the store to the opposite end. Indeed, I kept an accurate count.
Even though you’ll observe plenty of your
everyday Tesco favourites
, many of these have been enlarged.
For instance, the bakery has an impressive selection, featuring all the traditional items ranging from sugary delights to various pastries and newly baked loaves of bread. Given my visit coincided with a Friday at noon, it remained quite fully supplied.
The produce aisle takes up an absurdly large portion of the floor space, located centrally within the store, and the Fashion & Food apparel sections alone could essentially form their own separate boutique.
F&F also had a huge sale going on, and I was strongly enticed by a navy zipper jacket, marked down to only £11, which is half off.
Many of the basic items found at other nearby Tesco stores are available here; however, I observed a higher number of ‘XL’ sizes and bigger multipacks which are less commonly seen elsewhere.
Among the shelves, you can find numerous deals, but what stood out was the Home section, which was especially abundant with affordable discounted knick-knacks.
The candlelit 3D rabbit mug proved to be quite an endearing buy for just £2, complemented by discounted items like T&T fitted sheets priced at £3, F&F tea towels costing £2 each, and oven mitts going for £2.50.
A light-colored ottoman (indeed, this store also offers furniture) has dropped from £35 to £25 for Clubcard members, which I found quite reasonable. Additionally, side tables, dining trays, and shelves are all listed at less than £20 each.
At the larger retailer, a 32-inch Sharp television was prominently displayed with a 25 percent discount for Clubcard members priced at £139 (down from £189). Below it sat another model of the same brand, sized at 40 inches, which had been reduced by £30 to £189 (originally £219). Additionally, the Fly HoverVac 250 caught attention, available at only £60 after receiving a one-third reduction.
What sets Tesco Walkden apart?
So, the major question remains: What sets this large Tesco apart from the others?
Sure, Tesco Walkden includes a variety of nine concession stands (essentially smaller shops inside the main one). These range from what you’d typically find such as a Tesco Mobile outlet, pharmacy, and café, to more unexpected ones including a Yo! Sushi station, Holland & Barrett health food store, Vision Express for eyewear, Max Spielmann photo studio, Early Learning Centre for kids’ educational toys, and The Entertainer selling children’s playthings.
Although I thought the meal deals were somewhat lacking, it quickly became clear why when I noticed that this particular Tesco branch has its very own Greggs store. It’s not just a section; it’s a full outlet. That’s definitely a plus point.
Tesco Walkden also features an exclusive section known as ‘Bulk Buy’.
Reminding me of
Costco
The Bulk Buys provide large packages of various daily necessities with an extra discount.
Among the highlights were eight rolls of ‘Plenty’ kitchen towels for slightly more than $10 CAD, a 24-count mixed pack of Seabrook chips priced at £4.75, and an enormous container with 10 liters of sunflower oil costing £17.
Honourable mentions should go to the XXXL Surf Mega Box and the 20-pack of Kinder Bueno chocolates, but the standout items were a massive 400g jar of Douwe Egberts coffee priced at £15, along with 600 Tetley tea bags for £12 per (large) package. However, I must admit that I am truly devoted to Earl Grey tea.
And it features an automated laundry facility in the parking area. This was new to me, but I certainly appreciate the convenience of doing a wash while you’re out buying groceries for the week.
The store has evidently become quite popular among local residents. A frequent customer mentioned to me that there is indeed a more compact outlet nearer to her home, yet she chooses to come to Walkden for ‘the wider variety’.
“Moreover, it has a Greggs!” she exclaimed enthusiastically.
I understand where you’re coming from.
What did I purchase at the United Kingdom’s largest Tesco store?
To tell the truth, very little.
Regrettably, a lengthy commute via public transportation hindered my capacity to finish the major shopping trip, since nobody wants a thawing entire chicken sitting beside them on the 1:41 PM train from Oxford Road.
Nevertheless, I availed myself of the Greggs to pick up my lunch (complete with the requisite vegan sausage roll), some charming scented candles for £2, and a large tub of Pringles priced at £1.95 (thanks to Clubcard savings).
And indeed, I purchased the bunny mug as well, yet I assure you it’s intended as a present.
Where can I find the walk-in directions for Tesco Walkden?
If you’re driving, the hypermarket offers more than 900 parking spots for cars.
If you’re using public transportation, the store is only a 10 to 15-minute stroll away from Walkden Station. Additionally, several bus stops are located almost directly outside the station.
Have you got a tale to tell?
Reach out via email
Sazua.comLifestyleTeam@Sazua.com.co.uk
.
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