Forgotten Supermarkets of the UK

For many people growing up in the UK during the 1960s, 70s, and even 80s, the weekly shop was a ritual shaped by the familiar names on the high street. Today, most of those supermarket brands have vanished absorbed by larger rivals, renamed, or closed down completely. In this post, we take a nostalgic journey through some of the best-known UK supermarket chains that no longer exist, but which once played a major role in British shopping habits.

Fine Fare (1951–1988)

Fine Fare was one of the UK's earliest supermarket chains and a major national player by the 1960s. Known for its bright yellow branding and catchy jingle, it pioneered budget-friendly groceries. Owned by Associated British Foods, it expanded rapidly before being sold to Gateway in 1986. The Fine Fare name was retired by 1988.

Lipton (1871–1980s)

Founded by Thomas Lipton in Glasgow, Lipton’s grocery stores became a familiar sight across Britain. By the mid-20th century, it was one of the UK’s most recognised supermarket chains. Eventually, it became part of Allied Suppliers and was later phased out, with many stores rebranded as Presto or Lo-Cost.

Presto (1964–1990s)

Presto emerged in the 1960s and quickly grew into a household name, particularly in the north and Scotland. It became part of Argyll Foods and later absorbed many former Fine Fare and Lipton stores. In the 1990s, Argyll began rebranding Presto stores to Safeway, and the Presto name disappeared by the end of the decade.

Victor Value (1932–1970s)

A discount supermarket chain founded in London, Victor Value was known for low prices and no-frills shopping. It gained national traction before being acquired by Tesco in 1968. Many stores were converted to Tesco or sold off, and the brand vanished by the late 1970s.

David Greig (1870s–1970s)

David Greig was a well-established grocery brand, particularly in southern England. It was a family-run business that became a respected high street name. In the 1970s, it was taken over by Fitch Lovell, and most stores were either closed or rebranded, ending a century-long presence.

Hillards (1885–1987)

Based in the north of England, Hillards began as a small family business and expanded into a well-known regional chain. It was acquired by Tesco in 1987, following a hostile takeover, and all stores were quickly rebranded.

Gateway (1960–1994)

Gateway was formed from a number of regional chains, including Frank Dee and International Stores. It became a significant national player in the 1970s and 80s. The company rebranded itself as Somerfield in the early 1990s, retiring the Gateway name.

Somerfield (1990–2011)

Somerfield evolved out of the Gateway group and quickly became a prominent name on UK high streets. It even acquired Kwik Save in 1998. However, the brand struggled in the competitive 2000s and was bought by the Co-operative Group in 2009. The Somerfield name was phased out by 2011.

Kwik Save (1965–2007)

Launched in Rhyl, Wales, Kwik Save offered a no-frills discount shopping experience. It grew rapidly across the UK, becoming synonymous with budget groceries. After merging with Somerfield in 1998, the brand declined and entered administration in 2007. Though briefly revived, it never regained its former prominence.

These supermarkets may be gone, but for many, the memories remain from yellow Fine Fare bags to Kwik Save’s bare-bones aisles. They were part of daily life, shaping the way Britain shopped in the post-war decades.