As New Year celebrations fade and everyday routines return, many UK households suddenly realise they’re missing essentials. From milk and bread to pain relief or nappies, New Year’s Day often triggers an unexpected dash to the shops.
However, 1 January is a UK bank holiday, and that means trading hours are far from normal. Some supermarkets shut completely, others open briefly, and convenience stores vary by location. For shoppers in London and across the UK, this uncertainty can be frustrating.
This guide explains which shops are open on New Year’s Day 2026, why trading hours differ, what to expect in London versus smaller towns, and how to plan ahead so you’re not caught out. Whether you live in the capital or a quiet village, here’s how to shop smart on the first day of the year.
Which Shops Are Open on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day trading in the UK is mixed. While some major retailers remain closed nationwide, others open for reduced hours, particularly convenience formats and city-centre locations.
Large supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl often close entirely, while chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda typically open selected stores on shortened schedules. Convenience stores and petrol-station outlets are the most reliable options, especially in urban areas.
Ultimately, opening decisions depend on store size, location, staffing policies, and local demand rather than a single nationwide rule.
Why Do UK Retailers Limit Trading on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day has long been viewed as a rest day within UK retail. Unlike Christmas Eve or Boxing Day, footfall on 1 January is traditionally low, making full-day trading less cost-effective.
Many retailers also prioritise staff wellbeing following the intense Christmas period. Supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer are known for closing on New Year’s Day to give employees a guaranteed break.
For smaller stores, especially in city centres and residential areas, customer demand still exists. These shops often open for limited hours to serve local communities, commuters, and tourists, striking a balance between service and staffing.
Do Bank Holiday Rules Affect New Year’s Day Shop Openings?
Yes, but indirectly. While Sunday trading laws restrict opening hours for large shops, those rules do not automatically apply to bank holidays. However, many retailers voluntarily reduce hours on New Year’s Day regardless of legal allowances.
Large supermarkets may choose to open for six to eight hours instead of a full trading day, while convenience stores typically operate closer to normal hours.
Local variation is significant. A supermarket that opens in central London may remain closed in a smaller town, even within the same chain.
What Are the Expected Supermarket Opening Times on 1 January 2026?
Based on recent trading patterns, the following reflects expected New Year’s Day 2026 supermarket operations. Individual branches may vary.
| Supermarket | New Year’s Day Status | Likely Hours | Notes |
| Aldi | Closed | N/A | Nationwide closure |
| Asda | Open | 9am–6pm | Fuel stations often open longer |
| Booths | Open | 9am–6pm | Cafés usually open |
| Co-op | Open | 9am–8pm or 10am–7pm | Varies by store |
| Iceland | Partially open | Check locally | Regional differences |
| Lidl | Mostly closed | 10am–6pm (select London stores) | Inside M25 only |
| M&S | Mostly closed | Franchise dependent | BP sites may open |
| Morrisons | Open | 9am–6pm | Reduced hours in Scotland |
| Sainsbury’s | Open | 8am–8pm (large), later for Local | Check store type |
| Tesco | Open | Varies | Express stores most reliable |
| Waitrose | Mostly open | Reduced hours | Branch finder recommended |
Always confirm using official store locators, particularly for franchised or smaller branches.
Is Grocery Shopping Easier in London on New Year’s Day?
Yes. London typically offers more shopping options on New Year’s Day than other parts of the UK due to population density and tourism.
Areas such as Westminster, Camden, Southbank, Shoreditch, and Notting Hill usually have multiple open convenience stores and petrol-station outlets. Selected Lidl stores inside the M25 may also open with reduced hours.
Major transport hubs including King’s Cross, Victoria, Liverpool Street, and Paddington often have open food shops to cater for travellers, though hours may be shorter than usual.
Shopping earlier in the day is advisable, as many stores close by early evening.
Are Convenience Stores and Petrol Stations Reliable on 1 January?
Absolutely. Convenience stores and forecourt shops are often the most dependable places to shop on New Year’s Day.
Convenience Stores Likely to Open
- Tesco Express
- Sainsbury’s Local
- Co-op Food
- SPAR
- Premier
- Budgens
Most operate near-normal hours, particularly in cities.
Petrol Station Shops
Petrol stations with branded food stores frequently trade 24/7 or with minimal changes. Common combinations include:
- BP with M&S Simply Food
- Shell with Little Waitrose
- Esso with Tesco Express
These are ideal for emergency groceries, snacks, and essentials.
Can Local Corner Shops Be Trusted to Open on New Year’s Day?
Independent shops and off-licences often remain open, especially in urban and multicultural neighbourhoods. These businesses are more flexible with holiday trading and often respond directly to local demand.
Opening times vary widely. Some open from mid-morning until early evening, while others may trade for just a few hours. In rural areas, closures are more common.
While choice may be limited, corner shops are useful for basics such as bread, milk, soft drinks, toiletries, and household items.
How Can You Check New Year’s Day Opening Times Accurately?
The most reliable way to avoid wasted journeys is to use official retailer tools.
| Retailer | Tool | What It Shows |
| Tesco | Store Locator / App | Store and fuel hours |
| Sainsbury’s | App / Store Finder | Supermarket and Local timings |
| Lidl | Lidl Plus App | Location-specific hours |
| M&S | M&S App | Includes BP franchises |
| Co-op | Store Finder | Real-time holiday updates |
| Morrisons | Store Locator | Regional variations |
| Waitrose | Branch Finder | Postcode-specific hours |
Smaller franchises may not always update promptly, so phoning ahead can still be worthwhile.
How Can Shoppers Prepare for New Year’s Day Closures?
Planning ahead is the easiest way to avoid inconvenience. Helpful steps include:
- Completing your main shop before midday on 31 December
- Creating an essentials list covering food, medicine, pet supplies, and toiletries
- Booking click-and-collect for 2 January
- Saving screenshots of store hours
- Using petrol-station shops as backup options
Queues and reduced staffing can slow service, even in open stores, so preparation pays off.
Conclusion
New Year’s Day shopping in the UK requires a little planning, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. While some supermarkets close entirely, many convenience stores, petrol-station shops, and selected supermarket branches remain open with reduced hours.
For London residents, options are broader than elsewhere, particularly in central and tourist areas. By checking store locators, shopping early, and knowing where reliable alternatives are, you can start 2026 without empty cupboards or last-minute frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are post offices open on New Year’s Day in the UK?
No. Royal Mail post offices are closed on 1 January due to the bank holiday.
Do supermarket petrol stations open on New Year’s Day?
Yes. Many remain open, especially those linked to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and BP with M&S Simply Food.
Are pharmacies open on 1 January?
Some are, particularly hospital pharmacies or selected large-store locations. Check the NHS Pharmacy Finder.
Will corner shops trade on New Year’s Day?
Many do, especially in cities, though hours vary locally.
Which supermarkets open in Scotland on New Year’s Day?
Some Morrisons, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s branches open with reduced hours.
Is grocery delivery available on New Year’s Day?
Most supermarkets pause deliveries on 1 January. Services usually resume on 2 January.
Which apps are best for checking opening times?
Tesco Grocery, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Lidl Plus, and M&S apps provide the most reliable updates.
