May has arrived, marking the official start of spring and the promise of warmer weather. For Brits weary of the cold months, this pre-summer season brings excitement. The UK enjoys two bank holidays in May, following the Easter weekend in April: the Early May bank holiday on 4 May and the spring bank holiday on 25 May. Both fall on a Monday, granting many workers a welcome three-day weekend.
Whether you plan to host family and friends, enjoy a weekend getaway, or simply fire up the barbecue, it is essential to know that bank holidays alter the opening hours of major supermarkets. To help you prepare, here are the typical opening times for the UK's largest grocery chains.
Sainsbury's
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Most Sainsbury's Local stores will remain open from 7am – 11pm.
Tesco
4 May: 8am – 6pm
25 May: 8am – 6pm
Smaller stores: Tesco Express stores usually operate normal hours, typically 6am – 11pm.
Asda
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Asda Express locations generally remain open 24 hours or until their usual late-night closing time.
Lidl
4 May: 8am – 8pm (some stores in Greater London open until 10:00pm)
25 May: 8am – 8pm (some stores in Greater London open until 10:00pm)
Aldi
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
M&S
4 May: 9am – 6pm
25 May: 9am – 6pm
Smaller stores: M&S stores in travel hubs (stations/airports) and garages usually maintain normal hours.
Waitrose
4 May: 8am – 6pm (some larger branches may vary)
25 May: 8am – 6pm
Smaller stores: Little Waitrose usually open until 10 or 11pm.
Co-op
4 May: 8am – 8pm (main stores)
25 May: 8am – 8pm (main stores)
Smaller stores: Convenience branches usually stay open until 10pm or 11pm.
Morrisons
4 May: 7am – 8pm
25 May: 7am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Morrisons Daily stores typically stay open until 10pm or 11pm.
Iceland
4 May: 8am – 7pm
25 May: 8am – 7pm
