Late-Night Shopping in the UK: Which Supermarkets Stay Open and What You’ll Find Cheaper
Most shoppers rush to the supermarket after work, but late-night shopping has quietly become one of the smartest ways to save money and avoid crowds. Whether you’re looking for yellow-sticker bargains, peace and quiet, or the convenience of 24-hour stores, shopping at night can completely change how you plan your weekly groceries.
This guide explores which UK supermarkets stay open late, what items tend to be cheaper, and a few insider tips that make late-night shopping both practical and rewarding.
Why Late-Night Shopping Is Worth It
Late-night supermarket visits are not just about convenience. They can be genuinely cost-effective and time-saving.
1. You find more markdowns.
Supermarkets reduce perishable stock before closing to avoid waste. If you arrive at the right time, you’ll find meat, salads, bakery goods, and ready meals heavily discounted.
2. Fewer crowds.
You move freely through aisles without long queues, giving you time to compare prices properly.
3. Restocked shelves.
Depending on the chain, night shifts often restock shelves for the morning rush. That means better availability of fresh items like fruit and milk.
4. Quicker self-checkouts.
Most late shoppers use contactless or self-service tills, so you’re in and out in minutes.
Which UK Supermarkets Stay Open Late
Supermarket opening hours vary across the country, especially after pandemic-related changes. Here’s what you can expect from the major chains in 2025.
Tesco
Tesco remains the most flexible supermarket for late-night shopping.
24-Hour Stores
Many Tesco Extra branches are open 24 hours Monday to Saturday, closing briefly at midnight on Sunday due to trading laws. Smaller Tesco Express stores typically stay open until 11 pm or midnight.
Best Time for Discounts
Tesco usually begins final markdowns between 7 pm and 8 pm, with the biggest reductions appearing closer to closing. In 24-hour stores, discounts reset around midnight, especially in bakery and chilled food sections.
Late-Night Advantage
Clubcard Prices still apply, so you save both from loyalty discounts and yellow stickers.
Asda
Asda is another solid choice for night shopping.
Opening Hours
Most large Asda Superstores stay open until midnight, and some operate 24 hours in bigger towns and cities. Asda Supermarkets (smaller versions) typically close at 11 pm.
When Discounts Happen
Reductions start around 7 pm but peak between 9 pm and midnight. Meat, desserts, and ready meals often drop to 25 percent of their original price before closing.
Late-Night Advantage
With the Asda Rewards app, you can earn cashback on reduced items even late at night.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s maintains consistent late hours across its stores.
Opening Hours
Large Sainsbury’s supermarkets close at 10 pm or 11 pm. Sainsbury’s Local branches stay open later, often until midnight.
When Discounts Happen
You’ll see the first markdowns around 6 pm, but final reductions happen near closing. Bakery and chilled foods are top finds after 9 pm.
Late-Night Advantage
Nectar members continue earning points on reduced items, and digital Nectar Prices apply until checkout closes.
Morrisons
Morrisons combines strong late-night discounts with generous hours.
Opening Hours
Most stores close between 10 pm and 11 pm, but a few larger branches open 24 hours in city centres.
When Discounts Happen
Final markdowns start between 7 pm and 8 pm, with bakery items and cooked foods dropping by 75–90 percent.
Late-Night Advantage
The quieter atmosphere means you can find huge deals without competition.
Aldi
Aldi’s hours are more limited, but you can still shop fairly late.
Opening Hours
Most Aldi stores close at 10 pm. There are no 24-hour branches, but stores open earlier in the morning to balance shorter nights.
When Discounts Happen
Aldi applies yellow stickers just before closing. You’ll often find bakery and chilled items at 50–75 percent off between 8 pm and 9 pm.
Late-Night Advantage
Stock may be limited, but savings are strong for those who arrive right before closing.
Lidl
Lidl matches Aldi’s hours with a few extra conveniences.
Opening Hours
Most stores close at 10 pm, though some Lidl branches near transport hubs extend to 11 pm.
When Discounts Happen
Discounts usually appear between 6 pm and 8 pm. Bakery items, meat, and dairy drop significantly in price.
Late-Night Advantage
Using the Lidl Plus app lets you collect digital coupons even on yellow-stickered goods.
Co-op
Co-op stores cater to local neighbourhoods, which means more flexible hours.
Opening Hours
Many Co-op branches open until midnight, with some in busy areas operating 24 hours.
When Discounts Happen
Markdowns begin around 9 pm, especially for ready meals and sandwiches.
Late-Night Advantage
If you’re a Co-op member, you still earn 2 percent cashback even on reduced items.
Iceland
Iceland focuses on frozen food, but its late hours and online delivery options make it ideal for night shoppers.
Opening Hours
Most branches close at 10 pm, though some in city centres remain open later.
When Discounts Happen
Iceland rarely uses yellow stickers since most goods are frozen, but bundle offers remain valid until closing.
Late-Night Advantage
You can place online orders for next-day delivery late into the evening, saving a trip altogether.
Waitrose
Waitrose tends to close earlier than others, but still offers late-evening savings.
Opening Hours
Large Waitrose stores close between 9 pm and 10 pm. Smaller “Little Waitrose” shops can stay open until 11 pm.
When Discounts Happen
Final reductions occur from 6 pm to 8 pm, with bakery and fresh meat discounted heavily.
Late-Night Advantage
Because traffic is low, discounted premium products often remain available longer than during busy hours.
What Items Are Cheaper at Night
Not everything drops in price after sunset, but certain categories almost always do:
- Bakery goods: Bread, pastries, and cakes often fall to half price or less before closing.
- Fresh meat and fish: Items near expiry get steep markdowns in the final hour.
- Ready meals and salads: Great for next-day lunches if eaten soon.
- Deli and hot counter food: Cooked chickens and sides go for pennies just before closing.
- Flowers and plants: Florists refresh stock daily, so leftover bouquets drop late in the evening.
Frozen, tinned, and non-perishable items rarely change price overnight.
Best Days for Late-Night Deals
Timing your late shop matters just as much as the hour.
- Monday and Tuesday: Quietest days; smaller crowds, steady restocks.
- Wednesday: Midweek markdowns begin as stores clear stock.
- Thursday: Best day for combining discounts with new promotions starting Friday.
- Sunday: Shorter hours, but high markdowns right before closing.
Safety and Practical Tips for Late-Night Shopping
- Check store hours online first. Not all branches operate late every day.
- Go with a plan. Write a list to avoid impulse buys, especially when tired.
- Bring a reusable bag and cooler. Chilled bargains need safe transport home.
- Be polite to staff. Late-night employees manage stock and security; respect their pace.
- Avoid last-minute entry. Arriving five minutes before closing can cause frustration for both sides.
The Psychology of Night-Time Shopping
Late shopping has its own rhythm. The quiet aisles and slower pace often lead to more mindful spending. Without daytime distractions or long queues, you notice details like price per weight and ingredient labels. For some people, it’s a form of stress relief — calm, quiet, and productive.
However, the temptation to grab bargains can lead to waste if you buy too much perishable food. Stick to what you can realistically use or freeze.
24-Hour Shopping: Still Common in 2025?
Before 2020, 24-hour supermarkets were standard. After the pandemic, many chains reduced operating hours due to staffing costs. By 2025, only select Tesco and Asda branches remain truly 24 hours.
These stores are concentrated in major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. Smaller towns now favour extended hours until midnight rather than full overnight operation.
Still, if you prefer total flexibility, Tesco Extra and some Asda Superstores remain your best bet.
How Late-Night Shopping Helps Reduce Food Waste
Every yellow-sticker purchase prevents food from being thrown away. Supermarkets use markdowns to clear items safely, keeping food out of landfills. Some also donate unsold goods to local charities after final reductions, meaning shoppers play a small part in a wider sustainability effort.
For environmentally conscious shoppers, this turns late-night grocery runs into small acts of sustainability as well as saving.
Pros and Cons of Late-Night Shopping
Pros:
- Bigger discounts on perishable goods.
- Less crowding and faster checkout.
- Easier parking and shorter queues.
- Chance to help reduce food waste.
Cons:
- Limited staff and fewer open tills.
- Some stock may already be low.
- Not all sections restocked yet.
- Safety concerns if walking alone late.
Expert Tips for Maximising Late-Night Savings
- Arrive one hour before closing. That’s when final markdowns appear but selection is still decent.
- Check bakery and meat first. These sections offer the steepest discounts.
- Plan meals around bargains. Buy reduced food you can cook or freeze immediately.
- Keep loyalty cards ready. Points still apply, even on reduced items.
- Visit on Thursdays. Many stores reset weekend promotions that evening, giving extra markdowns.
Final Verdict: The Best Late-Night Supermarkets in the UK
For 2025, Tesco and Asda remain the most reliable options for true late-night shopping. Both have wide 24-hour coverage and generous markdown routines. Sainsbury’s and Morrisons follow closely with strong evening reductions and well-stocked stores until 10 pm or later.
If you prefer smaller neighbourhood stores, Co-op is unbeatable for accessibility, often open until midnight or longer. For bargain hunters, Morrisons offers the biggest end-of-day reductions, while Aldi and Lidl keep consistent savings for those who time their visits carefully.
In short:
- Best 24-hour choice: Tesco or Asda.
- Best for yellow stickers: Morrisons.
- Best local convenience: Co-op.
- Best all-round value: Lidl or Aldi near closing time.
Late-night shopping isn’t just convenient — it’s strategic. With a little planning, you can save more, waste less, and shop in peace while the rest of the city sleeps.
