West Hampstead Life

There’s always a bit of excitement when a major new shop or restaurant opens in the area. Some scoff at the fervour with which chains are welcomed. Others just scoff the food they sell.

Marks & Spencer’s food hall in West Hampstead Square will undoubtedly be a boon not just for those eventually living in the new development, but for everyone living that end of West Hampstead where there are only convenience stores (whether all three of those can survive remains to be seen.)

Followng our behind-the-scenes peek a couple of weeks ago, the shop opened on Wednesday at 10am – how did locals react?

Good news for West Hampstead! Today the @marksandspencer opens! pic.twitter.com/ovpTB10GDQ

— Mark Amies (@Superfast72) February 22, 2017

@WHampstead met a lovely couple on my way to the station looking for the new M&S. They go to all the openings . Not sure if paid or for fun!

— Mila Griebel (@MilaGriebel) February 22, 2017

@WHampstead @MilaGriebel these are not just ANY weird obsessed grocery fans …

— Neil Fisher (@nfmusic) February 22, 2017

The unofficial “we’re open” photo

And …. we're open M&S @WHampstead pic.twitter.com/602dcMUNAk

— andy sarner (@bubela) February 22, 2017

And the official one

M&S West #Hampstead is now open for business! After a 6 week fit-out creating a brand new store by Wates Smartspace @MandSnews @WHampstead pic.twitter.com/Gh06GoKPqZ

— Wates Group (@WatesGroup) February 22, 2017

In case you’re wondering, the woman cutting the ribbon is Judith Parry who, according to the press release, is celebrating her 32nd anniversary working at M&S this year. “I’m at a point in my life now where I’ve settled into my current role as a sales advisor and look forward to the years to come at M&S Foodhall West Hampstead until I retire!”, she said.

New M&S open. Seems to be quite popular! @WHampstead @WHampsteadLife @NW6FOFG pic.twitter.com/az0wt4qhM3

— West Hampstead NDF (@WHampsteadNDF) February 22, 2017

@WHampsteadNDF @WHampstead @WHampsteadLife @NW6FOFG But inside…(self-checkouts only) pic.twitter.com/CaYFF8qLY0

— andy sarner (@bubela) February 22, 2017

@bubela @WHampsteadNDF @WHampstead @WHampsteadLife @NW6FOFG Has everyone been given a strict dress code?

— Adam Morris (@adammorris101) February 22, 2017

The view of @WHampstead from a resident of Balham. I'd point out we've had a Waitrose for years…. pic.twitter.com/4WIu75k50z

— Joe (@TheJoeBoulton) February 22, 2017

@mermayden @WHampstead With Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, Little Waitrose and now, M&S Food, Mini Harrods is surely overdue here!!

— Joe (@TheJoeBoulton) February 22, 2017

First M&S opening up yesterday and now a power cut today.Little Waitrose in @WHampstead ain't having the best week… pic.twitter.com/5CXWqjFOEW

— Ko (@WH_guy) February 23, 2017

Of course, the honeymoon was quickly over…