The bank holiday weekend is fast approaching, and many of us are eager to know the opening times of supermarkets. With the Met Office forecasting temperatures soaring to 30°C in the capital, Londoners are likely to flock to supermarkets for BBQ essentials and drinks. However, different supermarkets have varying store types, leading to different opening hours across the city. To avoid the disappointment of arriving at a closed store, we have compiled the opening times for Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Tesco. Find all the details below.
Asda
Last year, Asda stores opened slightly later than usual, between 7am and 8am, and closed at 10pm. Scottish Asda branches maintained their regular hours over the weekend. The chain's smaller convenience stores, Asda Express, are typically open 24 hours every day, including Sundays and bank holidays. MyLondon has contacted Asda for confirmation regarding its bank holiday opening times for 2026.
Aldi
Aldi shoppers are advised that the quietest times to shop are between 8am and 9am, and 7pm and 10pm. The UK's largest discounter will be open from 8am to 10pm on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, before opening from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, May 24. On bank holiday Monday, May 25, Aldi stores will be open from 8am until 8pm, with customers advised to check local store hours online for any variations. Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: "The late May bank holiday is the perfect chance to enjoy great food, make the most of the longer days and spend quality time with friends and family. At Aldi, shoppers can find everything they need at unbeatable value, so they can focus on what really matters - enjoying the long weekend."
Lidl
London and Scotland stores will operate as normal. However, stores outside the M25 and in Wales will be open between 8am and 10pm on Monday. Shoppers are encouraged to check online before venturing out.
Sainsbury's
Most supermarkets will be open from 8am until 8pm this coming Monday. Convenience stores will operate as usual between 7am and 11pm.
Tesco
The largest supermarket chain in the UK has stated that opening hours on bank holiday Monday will vary by location. Shoppers are advised to check their local store opening times using the store locator. The majority of large stores and large Express stores across England and Wales will be open from 8am to 6pm. The majority of Isle of Man stores will be open between 7am and 10pm. For those heading to Scotland, large Express stores there will be open from 7am to 10pm. The majority of large stores and large Express stores in Northern Ireland will maintain their normal hours. Tesco added that there will be no change to opening hours for standard Express stores.
