I never shopped at Aldi before this store opened but its convenient to my mother-in-law's house so I find myself in there with her about once or twice a week.
They don't have every single little thing you could want and the store is far from pleasing to the eye (cardboard boxes of stock are stacked similar to shelving) but they make up for it by having a pretty wide range of food offerings and free, plentiful parking.
This store is bigger than a Tesco Metro but smaller than an average Sainsburys. It has the basic necessities - milk, bread, eggs, cheese, some meat, cereals, fruit, veg, beer, wine, a small freezer section and 2 aisles of random toys, trinkets, household goods, clothes, etc but buyer beware - you won't often find brands you recognize in the big chain grocers.
Most things are imported from all over Europe (no fresh bakery or butcher in-store) so items here are usually priced lower and are still very good but if you're a fussy eater or just know what you like, I'd stick to your favorite brands at the pricier markets or don't say I didn't warn you...
When it comes to check out, be sure to bring your own bags or things can get hectic. The cashiers seem to have this mentality that the quicker they scan, the quicker they get your money and the quicker they can move onto getting the next customer's money so the store makes more money and that makes for job security...
A good theory BUT they won't help you with your bagging so it gives me an anxiety attack if I have more than 10 items as I simply cannot keep up as well as pay and inevitably I feel the death stares from the people behind me as I fumble around... My mother in law usually puts things right back into the cart as they are scanned, pays quickly and then moves forward where she then gets out her bags and packs up everything in pressure-free peace... She is so wise!
Similar to other stores, you can purchase their plastic bags for something like 5p a bag but doing this takes even more time/effort and in doing so you will surely be stoned to death by those around you.
All in all, a good, no frills budget-friendly shop for the adventurous eater. read more