Has it ever crossed your mind where abouts the biggest stores of each UK supermarket chain are located throughout the country?
There’s a very good chance it hasn’t, but we bet a couple of you nodded your head to that.
If it is something you’ve spared a thought for over the years, then you might be interested to know that the largest branch of supermarket chain, Tesco – which was founded in 1919, and is the UK grocery market leader, as well as the third-largest retailer in the world measured by gross revenues – is actually right here in Greater Manchester.
Yes, that’s right – Boasting 17,230 square metres (185,500 sq ft) of floorspace, Tesco Extra in Walkden is the largest branch in the UK.
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Greater Manchester has a lot to be proud of, so we might as well add this to the list.
Tesco Extra shops are the largest model in the Tesco family and, as a rule, are mainly out-of-town hypermarkets that stock nearly all of Tesco’s product ranges – occasionally alongside partner ranges – although some are in the heart of town centres and inner-city locations, and in Walkden’s case, the store is connected to and can also be accessed via the adjoining Ellesmere Shopping Centre.
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At the Walken Extra – which is popular among local residents – shoppers will find a cafe, pharmacy, Tesco Mobile shop, Vision Express, Travel Money, and menswear, womenswear and kidswear from Tesco’s fashion brand F&F Clothing, alongside the usual grocery offering.
On top of that, there’s also both hot and cold deli counters, and customers can even get their hands on a range of Krispy Kreme doughnuts too.
No wonder it’s popular.
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So, there you have it – For what it’s worth, which we’re aware isn’t really very much at all, you now know that the UK’s largest Tesco is right on our doorstep.
If nothing else, perhaps you can just remember it in the bizarre instance it ever comes up on a pub quiz.
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Chester Zoo needs a new Zoo Ranger to patrol among rare giraffes, tigers, and more
Emily Sergeant
Looking for a career change? Well it surely doesn’t get better than this.
Chester Zoo is currently hiring for a new Zoo Ranger to join their team, and the new recruit will have the pleasure of working in a setting like no other – patrolling among rare giraffes and tigers, and within stunning gardens across a 128-acre estate.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Zoo Ranger, and according to the job description on its website, this is a ‘key role’ working as part of the Conservation Education and Engagement Team, and is one of the most central to visitors’ experiences at the zoo.
The team develop and deliver material to engage visitors with the zoo’s animal collection and worldwide conservation work through a range of diverse, fun, and exciting educational experiences.
For this permanent role, you will need to work 35 hours a week, operating on a two-week roster working every other weekend.
Chester Zoo needs a new Zoo Ranger to patrol among rare giraffes, tigers, and more / Credit: Chester Zoo
The successful applicant will be tasked with interacting with visitors of all ages – including children, families, and other audiences – in groups that could vary from just one individual up to a crowd of about 500, and they will be expected to deliver talks, table-top activities, play-based activities, and storytelling with mascots, puppets, and roleplay.
The ideal candidate will have a wide-ranging knowledge of the natural world, a creative mind, and have the ability to confidently deliver stories, shows, games, and other interactive engagement styles for visitors.
Good organisational and time management skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and excellent customer service skills are also needed.
In return, Chester Zoo offers an ‘excellent’ benefits package for this permanent role.
This includes access to a healthcare plan, 33 days paid holidays per year, a staff pass so that you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Due to the nature of the organisation and the role, this post is subject to a DBS check, and the closing date for applications is Sunday 9 November 2025.
A pop-up ‘sunshine booth’ is landing in Manchester to combat winter blues
Emily Sergeant
A sunshine booth shining special SAD lighting is coming to Manchester this week to combat those winter blues.
As the rain continues to pour down outside and the colder days really begin to set in as autumn draws to a close, Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, says it’s on a mission to help the nation stay well this winter.
With the days getting shorter and darker, the average Brit will see around nine hours less of sunlight than in peak summer.
The drop in daylight, coupled with both the drop in temperature and the onset of the usual common cold season, can often be found to take a toll on our mental and physical wellbeing, leaving us feeling a little more dull than we’d like to be – which is why Holland & Barrett’s ‘Sunshine Booth’ will be popping up across UK high streets to brighten Brits’ winter wellness routines.
The brightly coloured Sunshine Booth has been crafted with expert lighting, using the lighting featured in SAD lamps.
A pop-up sunshine booth is landing in Manchester to combat winter blues / Credit: Pixnio
It’s designed to mimic effects of natural light to help customers feel relaxed and refreshed.
Landing inside Holland & Barrett’s store over at the Trafford Centre later this week, the retailer is inviting customers to pop in and spend up to 20 minutes inside the calming booth to ‘pause and recharge’.
Those looking to brighten their day can pop into Holland & Barrett at the Trafford Centre this Friday (7 November) to visit the Sunshine Booth, with no prior appointment or ticket required.
Not only that, but the first 10 customers who visit will receive a Holland & Barrett goody bag worth £50, packed with products to support winter wellness, boost your immune system, and provide you with additional energy.
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2021 
