Where to Buy Everyday Essentials in London: 17 Stores Every Newcomer Should Know
Moving to London or visiting for an extended stay is exciting but it can also be a little confusing.
Back home, you probably already know exactly where to buy groceries, medicines, kitchen items, furniture or household essentials. In London, however, you'll quickly discover that different stores specialise in different things.
So where should you go?
Whether you've just moved to London, are staying in an Airbnb, arriving as an international student or planning a longer holiday, this guide will help you understand where Londoners shop for everyday essentials.
From supermarkets and pharmacies to furniture stores and homeware retailers, here are 17 places every newcomer should know.
1. Tesco – London's Everyday Supermarket
If someone asks a Londoner where to buy groceries, Tesco is usually one of the first answers.
With hundreds of stores across the city, Tesco sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to snacks, toiletries, frozen food and household essentials.
Larger Tesco Extra stores also stock clothing, kitchenware and small electronics.
Best For: Weekly grocery shopping.
2. Sainsbury's – Fresh Food and Daily Essentials
Sainsbury's is another supermarket you'll find almost everywhere in London.
It's known for its fresh bakery, ready meals, fruit, vegetables and everyday household products. Whether you're buying ingredients for dinner or grabbing lunch on the go, Sainsbury's is a reliable choice.
Many neighbourhoods also have smaller Sainsbury's Local stores for quick shopping trips.
Best For: Everyday groceries.
3. Aldi – Budget-Friendly Shopping
If you're trying to save money, Aldi is one of the best supermarkets in London.
Despite its lower prices, you'll still find excellent-quality groceries, dairy products, fresh produce and weekly special buys that often include kitchenware, gardening tools and household items.
Best For: Affordable groceries.
4. Lidl – Great Value Every Week
Lidl is another favourite among budget-conscious shoppers.
Its in-store bakery is especially popular, while weekly promotions often feature surprisingly useful household products alongside groceries.
It's an excellent place to stretch your budget without compromising on quality.
Best For: Low-cost grocery shopping.
5. ASDA – A One-Stop Shop
Need groceries, clothing, kitchen items and toiletries in one trip?
ASDA makes it easy.
Many larger stores also sell electronics, homeware, toys and seasonal products, making it a convenient option for families or anyone setting up a new home.
Best For: Shopping for multiple categories.
6. Morrisons – Fresh Produce and Bakery
Morrisons is particularly well known for its fresh food counters.
You'll find quality meat, seafood, baked goods, fruit and vegetables, along with everything needed for your weekly grocery shop.
It's a favourite among people who enjoy cooking.
Best For: Fresh ingredients.
7. Waitrose – Premium Groceries
If you're looking for higher-quality ingredients, Waitrose is an excellent choice.
The supermarket is known for premium produce, bakery items, ready meals and speciality foods.
While prices are generally higher, many shoppers appreciate the quality.
Best For: Premium groceries.
8. Marks & Spencer Foodhall – Ready Meals Done Well
Marks & Spencer Foodhall has become famous for its ready meals, sandwiches, desserts and picnic food.
It's a great option if you want something quick without compromising on quality.
Many commuters stop by before heading home from work.
Best For: Ready meals and desserts.
9. Boots – Health, Beauty and Everyday Essentials
Need toothpaste?
Pain relief?
Shampoo?
Vitamins?
Boots is one of the UK's most trusted pharmacy and beauty retailers.
You'll find medicines, skincare, cosmetics, baby products and healthcare essentials under one roof.
Best For: Health and personal care.
10. Superdrug – Affordable Beauty and Pharmacy
Superdrug offers many of the same products as Boots but often at competitive prices.
From skincare and makeup to toiletries and everyday medicines, it's another store you'll probably visit regularly.
Best For: Beauty products and toiletries.
11. B&M – Great Value for the Home
B&M is a hidden gem for anyone furnishing a home on a budget.
You'll find cleaning supplies, kitchenware, storage boxes, home décor, stationery, snacks and seasonal products at very reasonable prices.
Best For: Home essentials.
12. Poundland – Everyday Bargains
Despite the name, not everything costs £1 anymore—but Poundland remains one of London's best-value stores.
It's ideal for buying cleaning products, snacks, stationery, batteries, toiletries and basic kitchen supplies without spending much.
Best For: Budget shopping.
13. IKEA – Furniture for Every Home
Whether you're moving into your first London flat or simply need a desk, chair or wardrobe, IKEA is usually the first place people think of.
It also sells cookware, bedding, storage solutions and countless household accessories.
Many visitors end up leaving with much more than they planned to buy.
Best For: Furniture and home organisation.
14. The Range - Homeware and DIY
The Range is perfect for decorating or organising your home.
You'll find furniture, kitchen accessories, storage, DIY products, gardening equipment, lighting and home décor all under one roof.
Best For: Home improvements.
15. Argos – Almost Everything You Need
Argos is one of the UK's most useful retailers.
Looking for a kettle?
Hair dryer?
Microwave?
Printer?
Vacuum cleaner?
Luggage?
Argos sells thousands of products that can often be collected on the same day.
Best For: Electronics and household appliances.
16. Flying Tiger Copenhagen – Affordable Everyday Finds
Flying Tiger Copenhagen is full of practical and fun products at affordable prices.
From kitchen gadgets and stationery to storage, gifts, travel accessories and seasonal decorations, it's a great place to browse when setting up a home or looking for useful everyday items.
Best For: Small household essentials and gifts.
17. Home Bargains – Save on Everyday Shopping
Home Bargains is another popular discount retailer where you can pick up toiletries, snacks, cleaning products, pet supplies, kitchen essentials and home accessories for less.
If there's one near where you're staying, it's well worth a visit.
Best For: Everyday essentials at low prices.
Convenience Stores vs Supermarkets
One mistake many first-time visitors make is shopping only at convenience stores.
Stores such as Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local and Little Waitrose are perfect when you need something quickly, but they usually carry fewer products and can be more expensive than their larger supermarket counterparts.
If you're doing a full weekly shop, visiting a larger supermarket will usually save you money.
Which Store Should You Visit?
Here's a simple guide to help you decide:
Groceries: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons
Budget groceries: Aldi, Lidl
Premium food: Waitrose, Marks & Spencer Foodhall
Medicines and toiletries: Boots, Superdrug
Furniture: IKEA
Home essentials: B&M, The Range, Home Bargains
Electronics and appliances: Argos
Affordable gifts and accessories: Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Tips for Saving Money
Join loyalty programmes like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar to unlock member-only discounts.
Shop at Aldi or Lidl for your weekly groceries if you're on a budget.
Compare prices before buying larger appliances or electronics.
Buy household essentials from discount retailers instead of supermarkets when possible.
Visit larger supermarkets for a wider choice and better prices than smaller convenience stores.
Final Thoughts
One of the easiest ways to settle into life in London is knowing where to shop.
Whether you need groceries, furniture, medicines, kitchen essentials or household supplies, the city has a store for every budget and every lifestyle.
After your first few weeks, you'll quickly develop your own favourites but this guide is the perfect place to start.
Understanding where Londoners shop doesn't just make everyday life easier it can also help you save money, avoid unnecessary stress and feel at home much faster.
Discover More Beginner's Guides to London
Planning your move or first visit to London? Visit LondonYaar.com for practical travel guides, money-saving tips, neighbourhood advice and everything you need to feel at home in the city.
Follow @rohan.londonyaar for more London travel tips, hidden gems and beginner-friendly guides.