I was really impressed with Aldi after their Christmas showcase back in the Summer and I had to make a journey to my nearest store, two buses and an overground away, to give it a try.
Dragging my unpredictable wheeled shopping trolley, it often loses a wheel at the most inopportune moment, I made it to Kilburn High Road and managed to fill it to the brim with food and drink.
I bought three packets of smoked salmon and a brioche loaf for Christmas day breakfast, along with eggs and smoked bacon from their specially selected range. Mini sausages wrapped in bacon, a fine cheeseboard with a cracker selection. The carrots, parsnips, green beans, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, potatoes and mushrooms were enough to feed five on the 25th and beyond. Their Specially Selected range is offered for a few pence more and claims it has exceptional taste and excellent value for money. I couldn’t agree more.
A jar of pate, Christmas tree crumpets and all butter cheese twists.
For Boxing Day, there were cold meats and their version of potato dauphinoise. Pork sausage meat made plenty of sausage rolls.
Lemons for gin and tonic and Two bottles of Prosecco
Then I bought two packets of Angus beef mince, bacon lardons, a half leg of lamb, two fillet steaks, a thirty-day sirloin steak and two packets of tempura prawns, 2kgs of chicken breasts and a Specially Selected Wiltshire ham joint.
For dessert, I bought custard, Irish double cream and regular double cream and a mini-Christmas pudding.
Essentials for post-Christmas were also considered, their excellent washing up liquid and the important roll of black sacks.
The quality is remarkable, but more importantly, I was gobsmacked at the total. The receipt was endless and the goods I bought outstanding and for £127.24.
Packed with Christmas shoppers, the store assistants were at full tilt. I asked for help and got it. They’ve got the pricing spot on and the quality of fresh and own-label products nailed.
Awarded Best Supermarket in the UK in 2015, it was narrowly pipped to the post by Waitrose in 2016, but only just. I’ll be returning to sample a little more of that discount shopping but maybe next time I’ll grab a cab.
For details on a store near you visit the Aldi UK website.
I was given £70 in vouchers by Aldi.
Have you swapped your high street shop for a discounted retailer? Have you shopped in Aldi? I’d be keen to hear your thoughts.
