Friern Barnet M&S food hall opens: first look inside

The store in Friern Barnet Retail Park welcomed shoppers for the first time this morning (August 14).

Pictures from the official opening show some of the 90 staff members at the supermarket cutting the ribbon next to a giant inflatable Percy Pig – M&S’s most recognisable sweet brand.

Customers were greeted to a giant inflatable Percy Pig (Image: M&S)

Neon signs make it easy for customers to navigate the new store, which stocks fresh fruit and vegetables as well as freshly-baked bread and pastries.

The store also has a hot chicken counter, offering barbecue and butter-basted chickens, and a dedicated wine shop.

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Customers can also collect their online orders at the ‘Click & Collect’ station inside the store.

The 18,000sq ft store is one of nine new M&S Food stores opening across the country this year.

The retailer is also investing an extra £30 million into its London stores.

Store manager Neil Conwell will work with team manager Eren Hassan (pictured) (Image: M&S)

Store manager Neil Conwell, who has worked at M&S for six years, said: “I live locally and so it’s been especially special to see the store take shape and I cannot wait to see customer’s reactions – we really are showing the very best of M&S!”

The store also has timed LED lighting and fridge doors to reduce energy usage, and is partnering with two local charities via Neighbourly to redistribute any edible food surplus.