Bank holidays are where things get properly interesting. It’s like M&S is playing a game of “let’s see who checks the website first.” They are often open, but with reduced hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The problem is, you never quite trust that. You’ll drive past, see a car park half-empty, and assume the worst.
Your best bet is to remember that Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are sacred. The doors will be bolted shut tighter than a jar of their poshest lemon curd. Don't even think about it. You wouldn't ask a vicar to open the church for a quick browse on Christmas morning, would you? Same logic applies here.
The Pre-School Run Rush
The real beauty of the Leamington M&S, however, is the 8:00 AM weekday opening for the Food Hall only. This is a game-changer for the savvy parent. If you’ve just dropped your toddler off at nursery and you still have your “nice” jeans on, you can nip in for a fresh baguette and a bottle of their reliable orange juice before the 9 AM chaos begins.
It feels like a secret society. You walk past the empty clothing section, straight to the croissants, and you feel a smug satisfaction that borders on unholy. You’ve outsmarted the system. You’ve won at grown-up shopping before most people have even found their car keys. It’s a small victory, but we take what we can get.
Marks and Spencer opens full size store at Leamington Spa
