Stortford garage reopens as Little Waitrose at Shell shop

London Road's petrol garage in Bishop's Stortford will re-open its doors tomorrow (Friday) as a Little Waitrose at Shell shop.

The outlet is part of a pilot scheme by the fuel giant – similar outlets selling Waitrose products alongside pumps are owned and operated by the John Lewis grocery arm.

The Shell Thorley garage is one of four franchises run by Langley Upper Green resident Neil Thomas, 42, who has been with Shell since January. He is also responsible for Shell Oaklands Park on Stansted Road in the town and branches in Sawbridgeworth and Sible Hedingham.

The London Road branch, previously branded as a Shell Select, will retain its Costa Coffee Express and deli2go offerings alongside a range of Waitrose groceries including ready meals. The off-licence’s wine range will also be Waitrose.

Mr Thomas, who employs 36 people, said: “I’m extremely excited by the opportunity – it’s a new opportunity and it’s going to lead the way for forecourt retail.”

When the garage reopens after almost two weeks shut for refurbishment, the operating hours will remain 6am to 10pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 10pm at weekends.