Our mystery shopper, on a mission to find lunch, visited one of Zuber Issa’s EG On The Move’s newest two sites, a knockdown rebuild on land occupied by a former pub, on a busy roundabout on a recently opened stretch of Preston’s Western Distributor road, Edith Rigby Way.
Time of visit: 11.45am on Sunday June 16.
Kerb appeal:
Built on a raised piece of land off a roundabout, this modern-looking site is imposing and difficult to miss from this new relief road west of Preston. One of the first things we spotted was the totem displaying electric vehicle charging rates as well as pump prices. The Spar store has a large glazed frontage, with around 15 parking bays. Behind it is a separate Starbucks outlet with a drive-thru lane and plenty additional parking, as well as six 250kW EV On The Move branded charging bays, although these were still under covers and non-operational when we visited around 10 days after the site’s opening.
Pump action:
There are four islands, each with eight dispensers, with both standard and premium unleaded and diesel. The black and green EG On The Move branding, rather than that of a fuel supplier, is displayed on the canopy and the pumps. The EV charging bays, to the rear of the property, are uncovered.
Store style:
The interior feels spacious and upmarket, thanks to low shelving fixtures, wide aisles and an exposed charcoal ceiling. Stone coloured polished tiles give a quality feel. There is a Starbucks coffee machine near the entrance, with a large Subway counter to the right, and a still-to-open Greggs outlet in the corner. The shelves were well stocked and faced up, with a strong range of ambient and chilled products, including meat and poultry, fresh produce, and ready meals, as well as an impressive wall of soft drinks. The range was sufficient to buy meals for tonight or make top-up/impulse purchases. There were well-promoted meal deals in both the chiller and freezer. Our only minor criticism was that flower buckets were empty. In common with other EG Group forecourt outlets, there is no alcohol.
On a mission:
We wanted lunch with a coffee. Staff at the Subway were friendly and efficient. The Starbucks coffee machine was not working, with a message on the screen indicating that the waste water dispenser needed emptying. When we informed the manager, he apologised and carried out the necessary work. Our two healthy and substantial, chicken salads came to a very reasonable £10.58.
At your convenience:
The premises are brand new but special mention must go to the toilets, which were clean and stylish. The same taupe tiles on the floor and walls, and running throughout the store, gave the impression of executive washrooms in an office or luxury department store.
Anything else:
A nice touch is an extensive selection of EG Tech-branded phone, IT and car audio accessories, and a choice of children’s magazines. There was a gondola end of assorted necessities such as sewing kits, string, and shoe laces, as well as a tempting petcare offering. On a rare sunny morning in mid-June, the Starbucks on the same site seemed to be attracting plenty families, some with dogs, who were enjoying their drinks on outdoor picnic tables. A screen suspended from the ceiling in the entrance of the forecourt shop was used to advertise for staff.
Thumbs up:
A beautifully presented operation that gives plenty indications as to how Zuber Issa may position his planned new forecourt additions.
Thumbs down:
Very hard to criticise aside from early-weeks teething issues – the store opened with its Greggs outlet and EV chargers still to become operational. Those on a mission for alcohol will obviously want to go elsewhere.
