Waitrose shopping

Waitrose is expanding its presence in London

Premium retailer has passed the 100-store mark in Greater London with the opening of its new site at Nine Elms, in south London.

Leader of Wandsworth Council, Ravi Govindia, opened the 18,000 sq ft store at the newly-developed Embassy Gardens, at 8am this morning (Thursday 19 November).

The move marks the retailer’s ongoing expansion within London following openings in King’s Cross and West Kensington earlier this year.

At the new store shoppers will have access to the ‘scan as you shop’ service, Waitrose Quick Check and John Lewis Click and Collect, while online orders can be made via in-store iPads.

The new store also features what Waitrose claims is the UK’s first supermarket sushi bar, using freshly-prepared sushi in partnership with Sushi Daily, as well as an eat-in bakery and a 138-space car park.

Embassy Gardens is a new development that will create 2,000 new homes, with the first residents having moved in this summer. The development also comprises the newly-refurbished New Covent Garden Market, and the new US and Dutch embassies.

Councillor Govindia was joined at the opening by branch manager Ed Caswell, Embassy Gardens development director Peter Halpenny, and representatives from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - one of three causes the retailer is supporting this month through its Community Matters initiative.

Govindia, said: 'I’m delighted to welcome Waitrose to Nine Elms. The new store looks smashing: it comes with 90 new jobs and will be a welcome addition for new residents and the long established communities here in north Battersea.

“It’s exciting to see more shops, pubs and other attractions opening up across Nine Elms. In recent weeks we’ve welcomed Waitrose, Market Porter, the Nine Elms Tavern, StudioRCA, Loaf and Mondo Brewing Company. More will soon follow as this new part of the South Bank takes shape.”

Ed Caswell, Waitrose branch manager, said: “The new shop aims to meet modern-day shopping patterns with more technology, new concepts, a broader product range offering greater convenience and a focus on hospitality.

“We believe these are exciting times for Battersea and Nine Elms. There is a real sense of anticipation about what the area will bring and, while it marks a significant change for many local people, we want to ensure it is a positive one.”

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