Yateley (198): Opening

November 6th 1990 – the new Waitrose store opened in Yateley, Hampshire. Positioned in easy-reach for the local housing estate, residents even had a view of the new branch from their windows, as it was built on an unused patch of land.

The branch manager, David Paul, had a hectic few weeks opening the branch as this coincided with the birth of his third son, as well as a house move in order to be nearer to the new store.

Waitrose Yateley has been built on four levels, with the warehouse being in a two-storey basement. This means that the store is a fairly low building, fitting neatly into the landscape of surrounding houses, with the storage area tucked below ground level. There is still natural light in the basement, however.

Most partners enjoy their lunch in the dining room as the wooded countryside, beyond the town, can be seen behind the line of houses.

Facilities available at the time of opening in 1990 included five service counters, such as “fresh fish which offered up to 50 types of fish and shell fish from around the world” and a meat counter. Over 45 British and Continental cheeses were available on the cheese counters and 40 different kinds of bread, rolls and freshly baked French bread at the patisserie counter.” As reported at the time in the Partnership’s in-house magazine, The Gazette.

Fast forward to 2023 and Yateley Waitrose currently has click and collect, dry cleaning and flower wrapping. As well as fresh fish, cheese, delicatessen and meat counters.

Address: Tresham Crescent, Yateley GU46 6FR