Can You Shop At M&S Food Hall On A Budget? I tried to and this is what happened...

Can you shop at M&S Food Hall on a budget? I tried to shop at Marks and Spencer Food Hall on a budget and this is what happened! Using my money saving methods, can I stick to a budget in M&S Food Hall? Links below :)
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[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Do you ever shop there? ☺️

[@themadcoachman]

Some times yes

[@JayTulip]

Marks and Sparks Food Hall near us in Central London was closing for 4 days around Christmas this year, so on the Christmas eve day they started discounting everything from the opening time (7am). If one got up early, there were incredible bargains of steaks, seafood platters, pates, veg, fruit, etc.

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

I used to shop between M&S, Waitrose at Canary Wharf and Asda when I lived in Tower Hamlets/Canary Wharf. Sundays were the days of the deep discount. I could get ready meals for 50p, pudding for 15 p and bread products for 5p. I tried to buy one thing at full price so as to support the store but knowing when the expiring food was most discounted was a key to living frugally when I had no income. Freeze everything at the sell by date and eat it down through the week. I had to avoid being picky, and eat what was on discount - within reason (I can’t stand lamb). Asda’s own basics brand also saved me. Jaime Oliver has a very simple Yorkshire pud recipe. I think it’s basically the pancake recipe of flour, milk and an egg - something like that anyway.

[@lolajenkins2674]

As a couple we always buy our weekly shop at M&S and spend about £35 a week for two of us. Quality is so important to us and it was found in a recent study that M&S use far less pesticides on their produce compared to other supermarkets so its just that peace of mind that your not eating nearly as many chemicals. (We still wash our produce in vinegar anyway but its still worth noting)

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I love this comment - £35 a week for two is really good.

[@kamaldeepjohal9372]

Quality is important

[@marjoryross2754]

We used to have M&S in Canada until about 2000. My children just loved their fish fingers. In 2019 we had a three generation trip to Scotland. We hit on M&S in Oban. We were like kids in a candy store. The ready made meals were delicious (we were using AirBnB). The Canadian grocery chains could learn a few things from M&S.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Ooh I bet that was lovely. The experience was definitely a good one ☺️

[@burco7626]

I am shocked 😲 I thought it would be £70 easily. I love Marks and Spencer specially THE BAKERY SECTION however I wouldn't dare to do my weekly food shop. I sometimes buy cakes as a treat.😋

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

It's definitely great for a treat place! And yes, I was pleasantly surprised at the total :)

[@mandynuttall6627]

I went to M&S a few times during lockdown as it was a more pleasant experience than my usual supermarket which wasn't handling the queuing etc very well. It was an oasis of calm compared to that lol! Also when I was little mum used to take me in there sometimes to get some nice cake eg their coffee and walnut

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I agree - it was lovely and quiet there ☺️

[@kahyui2486]

7:55 the basic ready meals they do are same price as tescos standard ready meals. In m&s its 3 for £9 and u can freeze them. In tesco its £3 for 1 ready meal. M&S ready meals taste the best imo. But they also have the 'best of m&s' range which is much more pricey

[@Tess-FrugalLiving]

Haha, I have also always thought of doing my weekly shop at M&S as a sign of having arrived! Love this video. X

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Haha, I’m glad someone else also thinks that 🙈🤣

[@Tess-FrugalLiving]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Definitely! You got everything for a great price Nicola. Like you though I would find it hard to stick to my budget there. Too much amazing stuff. I worked for M&S for a while and regularly spent chunks of my earnings before heading for home 😁

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Ooh I would have too if I worked there.

[@carolinem5539]

I often shop there as i require gluten free and they have a great range. I dont find it much more expensive if you stick to what you need and feel it’s worth it for the better quality and the fresh ingredients definitely last longer.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I agree with you! Sticking to the list is key. What is your favourite thing you buy there?

[@rlm77263]

I live round the corner from a big M&S and my neighbour works there so tells me the best time to go for the bargains is about 3pm, dont go often but went a lot during covid as it was one of the quieter shops

[@sandradent65]

I go in Mark's every few weeks for odd items, I like their current scones and fresh cream cakes. I also love their fish cakes and I get killers for my husband. I think I might try some oranges next time I am in as someone commented that they were nice

[@LittlePinkPiggy1]

M&S isn't as expensive as many people think, and if you know your comparative costs for other supermarkets then you can shop there quite well. I have done my weekly shop there a few times and stayed in budget and of course the quality is very good.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I did find the quality to be better for some items :) what are your favourite things to buy there?

[@LittlePinkPiggy1]

I like their bread but their yellow stick food is an excellent deal if you get it for half price or less.

[@irinatsernjak6292]

Great video! You did well! We have M&S in town centre where I usually walk, so won’t be able to carry much. There is too much temptation for me 😅. I could pop in to get few basics like milk etc. on my way home or a treat like freshly baked bread or some French cheese etc. but I am really mindful now on what I pick up there, too easy to spend too much!

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

So many things on the bakery section looked SO good. I could easily have spent a lot more!

[@pamgardiner2912]

That was a good price for your haul. There is a M &S within walking distance so I use it for some items which are cheaper than Iceland and Tesco Express that are close by. You just have to be careful not to be tempted by the expensive but no doubt delicious non basics.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Yes - SO many temptations!

[@justalittleless4610]

That's a lot of food for £52.49 👏 Well done for being so careful. I shop for food at M&S very occasionally and really enjoy the experience but it is harder when you don't know the layout and what they sell. Great video.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Thank you! It is definitely harder when you don’t know where things are.

[@lindastone9385]

My mother in law (aged 93) often does a shop at M&S . She finds some of the quiches/pies etc such good value to feed one person over a couple of days. Also their veg and fruit tend to last a bit longer. We also take her to Sainsbugs once a month for a stock up staples shop.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

That’s interesting about things lasting longer.

[@lisahaffner3337]

Nice haul. I stick to the cheaper grocery stores. We don’t have a M&S here in Canada. Just did my mid month budget check in and I’m on target for my low spend grocery month. Fingers crossed for the next half of the month

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Fantastic! I tend to stick to cheaper stores too but it was an interesting change.

[@embraceintentions]

This was such an interesting comparison! I don’t think I have ever done a proper shop in one of these. I have only ever been there to grab a sandwich 😅

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I hadn’t done either! Definitely an interesting thing to do. The sandwiches are good - have you seen the festive ones at the moment? ☺️

[@embraceintentions]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Not yet as we don’t have a local M&S, but I will definitely check them out next time I am in town. I am definitely a fan of a festive sandwich 😁

[@goodlifeliving1667]

Really interesting video. We did fairly cheap shop at waitrose last month. I find reductions in marks can be good. Also I like their own brand crisp they usually £1 also their cleaning spray same scent as method pink grapefruit and only £1. Like the dine in range. Think on frozen they fairly cheap. I have large morrisions locally and shop prices morrisions really shot up lately so this month we done mix of asda/ farmfoods , aldi and lidls. Might try marks start of December

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I didn’t see the cleaning sprays - do they work well? The Christmas range looks amazing so the start of December could be a good time ☺️

[@goodlifeliving1667]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage yes they are in non food section they do 3 glass, bathroom abd kitchen. We always go marks xmas eve as reductions are good. Sometimes on dine in meal it includes a whole chicken wine sides a dessert. I do like their sliced meats and bakery section

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I might have a look at their cleaning things once mine runs out then - thanks for the suggestion. Christmas Eve bargains sounds like a great plan!

[@oldbatwit5102]

M&S do a lot of budget items now. Their own cereals and muesli are cheaper than the big supermarkets. Their big bags of tortilla chips are great and are cheaper than anything in Poundland. Own brand, organic butter is cheaper than buying Anchor from Iceland. They also do special offers on some fruit and veg which are both cheaper and better quality than Tesco, ASDA etc. I even buy my sliced wholemeal from them because it is cheaper than Iceland. I am on a very tight budget but I actually save money by doing some of my shopping at M&S.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

That’s interesting - and good to know! What’s your favourite M&S item? :)

[@oldbatwit5102]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage I love their habanero tortillas, I bought some last month. They are really hot and you get a great big bag for £1.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

They sound good :)

[@tcbudgets6983]

Great video, really enjoyed it💟

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Thank you! ☺️ would you ever shop at M&S?

[@oliviabermingham1419]

Brilliant video!!!!!!

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Thank you! Do you ever shop at M&S?

[@gillianhope7742]

I used to do my weekly food shop in m and a about 20years ago , when I was rich for my family of five , never any waste as it was all so delicious

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Do you ever go there now?

[@GorillaGamingChannel]

That’s really good x

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Thank you ☺️

[@melaniefraser8827]

M&S is a very occasional treat if they have a good meal deal offer for us. Aldi is out supermarket of choice and we are satisfied with the quality & price. Your shop looked pretty well thought out though 👍🏻

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Planned like normal ☺️ what are your favourite things to buy from M&S as a treat?

[@TheCompoundingInvestor]

Wow that’s a good haul for the price. Well done. The food from M&S always tastes better but I’ve only got a Tesco and Lidl near me.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I think the quality was better. Where do you do your shopping?

[@TheCompoundingInvestor]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Tesco. It’s a medium sized one and I know where everything is.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

There’s a lot to be said for knowing where everything is!

[@themadcoachman]

Yes if your budget is a high one , Great quality food there though

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Such good quality!

[@loui_kang]

I have just switched from aldi to m&s I'm probably spending £15 more per week, for much better quality

[@ep1929]

M&S stuff is great - no argument there but some of the goods are exactly the same as Aldi / Lidl. Their buscuits are foxes rebranded. Their cakes are made in same factory as all the other supermarkets but to a higher standard recipe which is same as Sainsbury's.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Are they - where’s the information on that?

[@ep1929]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage had an aunt that worked at Fox's buscuits & a lot of the cakes are made at Park cakes, Bolton. I used to work near the factory & see the M&S artic in there daily picking up stock.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Oh that's interesting, didn't know that! Something to consider :)

[@ep1929]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage the m&s stuff is made in the same factories as the rest mainly, the difference is m&s require higher standard ingredients - eg the eggs used in their cakes have to be free range, their meat has an emphasis on animal welfare - which gives the meat a superior quality, they pay extra to suppliers so that the m&s product usually exceeds the main brand on quality. That's why it tastes better.

[@sandradent65]

I forgot to say that wasn't a bad price for your shopping

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

It was for a family of four for all meals so I thought it was pretty good :)

[@kiranmarie8092]

Do my food shopping in Marks …. my dream if I win the lottery

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Some things in there are surprisingly cheap :)

[@elgar2582]

Did you feel the quality was better?

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

I did actually, for the most part.

[@elgar2582]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage interesting, I wonder if buying selected items of better quality, especialy meat might be worth it and then just buying other items elsewhere. 🤔 thank nicola.

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

That’s a good point - the fresh items lasted longer, that’s for sure.