Our mystery motorist on a mission visits Londis Nesscliffe, Nesscliffe in Shropshire
Time of visit: 12.10pm
Kerb appeal: The site was easily recognisable thanks to its Essar pole sign and canopy. The pole sign featured the Essar brand at the top followed by the fuel prices – which were very competitive – then the Post Office, Londis and Costa Express logos.
Pump action: The small forecourt was busy at the time of my visit (Sunday lunchtime). The site obviously has petrol and diesel but I couldn’t see any premium versions. The Essar branding was very strong but the pumps were a bit dirty. And the forecourt surface was a bit patchy.
Store style: As you go in on the left there is a small food-to-go area including a Chicago Town pizza unit, Tango Ice Blast machine, Rollover unit and a Bake & Bite unit. All had products on display although the Bake & Bite selection was a bit sparse. Next to these was a Costa Express machine and opposite the hot food were sandwiches, some of which were reduced in price. A good proportion of the sandwiches were from a local supplier – Deli Central – and there was ‘I’m Local’ signage on the chiller.
Other signage on the chiller communicated the Rollover £3.50 meal deal where you get a hot dog and a can of drink.
Other food-to-go snacks in the chiller included Village Bakery bakes and slices, Ginsters sausage rolls, Rustlers burgers and Cathedral City cheese snacks.
There were quite a few gaps on the shelves across the shop including in the take-home ice cream freezer and on a gondola end that had offers on snacks. Offers are obviously very popular as there were empty spaces in the chiller where Starbucks chilled coffee was meant to be. It was on offer with an ‘Amazing Value’ sign – so amazing that all the drinks had been snapped up. But I imagine they had had a busy Saturday (I was there on a Sunday).
There was a great range of soft drinks and energy drinks in the chiller including larger, take-home bottles, which is always good to see.
There was some fresh produce – with lots of onions and potatoes.
There was a fantastic selection of meat in the chillers – everything from simple sausages to gourmet sirloin steaks. A lot of it was local – from the Meat Man and Lawrence of Leamore – and looked delicious.
The wood-effect floor was very smart but the shelving in the shop was quite high and I did feel a little hemmed in. I understand that the store had been the subject of an extensive redevelopment and was doing well as a result. I obviously hadn’t seen the old shop so couldn’t compare the two.
On a mission: I had needed to fill up my car, which I did with very reasonably priced petrol. Then I needed something for lunch and luckily there was lots of choice.
At your convenience: Unfortunately the toilet was not working. I was disappointed but not as disappointed as the cashier, apparently.
Anything else? Stocking local products is obviously very important to the business. For example, they had a lovely display of Lesley Palmer Art greetings cards which depicted local countryside scenes. The display was next to the Post Office counter, which was shut. I asked why and apparently the shop is on an old Post Office contract so didn’t have to open on a Sunday. It’s unusual as most post offices in shops are open for as long as the shop is open.
There is also a collection point for Oswestry Food Bank.
Thumbs up for:
• Local lines
• Meat selection
• Essar branding and fuel pricing
Thumbs down for:
• Gaps on shelves
• Toilet not in use
• Post office not open