So I noticed that both the Co-op down from FH station and the Shell garage on Stanstead Road have closed. Looks like the Co-op is getting a re-fit judging from the storage containers outside and the small extension being built at the back.
But the Shell garage has been stripped. Signs taken down and everything. Changing hands maybe? Anyone know?
Don't know about Co-op but the garage is apparently switching to BP in two weeks time. Tricky for those of us who use those two shops for bits and bobs that they are both closed/virtually empty!
Yep, BP taking over the Shell site I'm told. Cash machines also a problem!
Hopefully simply foods will open alongside BP
The Co-op are having a refit one of the staff member's told me a couple of weeks ago. There is a new shop which opened last week opposite the back entrance/exit of FH train station. I think it's called Forest Hill Superstore.
I have used the FH superstore a couple of times since it opened. Comically narrow aisles but well stocked - more like an oversized corner shop rather than a small Tesco metro store.
It was a sad day when Shell and Sainsburys fell out and we lost the small Sainsburys Local but maybe the BP will prove valuable if we get a Simply Food as well.
Coincidentally, I remember when the Co-op used to be a BP station. I think they closed shortly after Sainsbury's petrol station opened at Bell Green.
BP signage going up this morning.
anyone know if it will have simply food?
I don't think so, re the Simply Food - I presume you mean the M&S food offering? I wandered by last Saturday and they were stacking shelves in there, and the signage above those shelves was definitely not M&S styleee. It was red and yellow and not M&S font. It'll just be typical garage fodder, I expect.
Extraordinarily happy to be proved wrong, of course :-)
Got in touch with BP and asked about this. From the reply it doesn't seem likely:
"...this service station is entirely owned and operated by a third party under a BP Fuel Agreement. Therefore, whilst we are responsible for the supply of BP sign-ware, fuel and lubricants to this location, the daily operations...are the responsibility of the site owner."
I think it will be the same setup as before with a new coat of paint.
Just drove past the Co-Op and it has re-opened.
Looks like an official opening today. A big arch of greeny-yellow balloons around the door. Maybe some special offers?
I was in the Forest Hill Supermarket the other day. No shortage of brands from Poland and other places plus of course all the basics you need in a hurry.
Their wine prices looked very good. At a glance there seemed to be plenty of choice at a fiver a bottle!
Yeah, a note on the door the other night said it was reopening today. Picked a good day for the balloons.
That's the Co-op in my last post, by the way.
Meanwhile, at the petrol station, the signage on the shop has now gone up, in addition to that on the roof edge. It's branded BP Shop, so I'm afraid it's just a petrol station not 'not just a petrol station'.
Glad to see the co-op re opened now, yet to have a wander round, but they don't seem to have held back, even resurfacing the car park.
As for the Shell / BP, I never use it anyway, but would have been nice to see a Wild Bean cafe or something decent in there. Looks quite plain.
Wow, it's rather nice in the co-op, what a change! Hope they can maintain it now
Agreed - we popped in last night on the way home to buy a few bits and pieces and it's much more inviting than it used to be
Don't know if it will last but I think the BP was cheaper than Sainsbury's as far as diesel is concerned! Probably an introductory rate, I suspect.