We all love a trip to a big Tesco, complete with different stores inside it (like Costa, and Greggs) and a massive range of things to buy. For some Essex residents, though, they may be visiting the biggest Tesco in the UK – and have no idea about it!
One of Europe’s largest supermarkets is in the small town of Pitsea in Essex, where a newly refurbished Tesco Extra has regained its title as the UK’s largest Tesco store, reports the Express. The store originally opened in the 1970s and held the title of the largest supermarket in Europe.
However, it lost its crown to the Tesco store in Walkden, Manchester. But now, following an extensive renovation, the Pitsea store has reclaimed its top spot.
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The Tesco in Pitsea reportedly measures more than 185,500 square feet. This means that it just beats out the Walkden branch, which has exactly 185,500sq ft of space.
An EssexLive reporter, Brad Gray, explained how amazing the Pitsea Tesco really is. He said: “Growing up in Pitsea, there was very little to do. The town was more or less devoid of anything interesting, and many of us simply didn’t have the money to travel further afield to Southend-on-Sea or Lakeside for fun.
“When boredom struck, we’d find ourselves at Tesco. This supermarket was a behemoth, boasting aisles longer than any other store, stretching as far as the eye could see.
“It was so vast that one legendary employee would rollerblade down the aisles to save time. Pitsea Tesco offered items that were simply not available elsewhere; it was the first supermarket I recall having a World Foods section.”
It would be unfair to say that the only good thing about Pitsea is its Tesco, though. Living in Pitsea, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of Basildon, presents an enticing blend of suburban charm and practical amenities, says RightRent.
The community, though relatively modest in size, boasts a rich tapestry of experiences for its residents. From the bustling Pitsea Market, one of the largest in the county, to the serene vistas of Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea offers a lifestyle that caters to a variety of preferences.