Budgens is set to open is third concept store in Crouch End, north London, at the site of independent retailer Andrew Thornton’s old store.

The first of its kind in London, the store will open on 26 March following a five-week closure for a complete refit and refurbishment.

The 8,600 sq ft store will boast a bigger selection of fresh products including new Budgens own branded lines, an extensive bakery selection from local bakers Dunn’s and a focus on “authentic, affordable, artisan and locally-produced foods”.

The store will also boast several new features including a hot porridge bar, a hot soup bar, salad bar, grind-your-own coffee beans offering seven different varieties and an in-store patisserie section. 

Budgens director Mike Baker (pictured) said: “Budgens of Crouch End will be our flagship store and builds on everything we have learned from our highly successful lab store in Bournemouth.  

“Once again we are building on our customers’ key shopping missions of lunch, meal for tonight and top up. We’ve added more food to go - including hot porridge and soups – and a greater selection of fresh, local and artisan products. Once the store opens I look forward to welcoming existing and potential new retailers in to see where we’re going with the brand.”