Three new independently-owned Budgens forecourt stores will have opened by the end of the first quarter.

The first, in Stadhampton in Oxfordshire, opened on 12 February, the second will open in Kingsclere, Hampshire, at the end of this month, and the third will open in Wellington, Somerset, in March.

The stores will stock an extensive range of products from essentials and food-on-the-go options to key shopper missions, including a strong lunch offering, top-up shop and meal for tonight. “Affordable” artisan products from local suppliers and big brands will also be available.

The Summit Service Station in the village of Stadhampton has undergone a full rebuild and refit project, creating a new 2,335sq ft shop owned by new retail partner Mohammed Farooq.

Kingsclere Service Station is a redevelopment of a closed down forecourt and is owned by John Mason of Peregrine Retail Ltd. The forecourt is currently undergoing a full regeneration which will result in a new 2,500 sq ft store.

Budgens of Wellington, which will be the second new forecourt for retailer John Mason, is being built on a new site and will encompass a 2,660sq ft store plus a Subway concession on an edge of town development in Wellington. John Mason also operates Budgens stores in Blackhorse, Blashford and Bridgwater.

Mike Baker, Budgens brand Director said: “Our forecourt business is performing really well and we’ve got the balance between convenience and interesting just right.

“It’s fantastic to see these new stores opening and to be welcoming new retail partners such as Mohammed Farooq, I’m sure he’ll make Stadhamptom a great success.”