Which London shops are staying open during lockdown?

Retail bosses today hit out at the “arbitrary” distinctions being drawn up to decide which shops and venues can remain open through England’s four-week lockdown as the hit to “non-essential” shops was estimated at £8billion.  

The fresh round of restrictions differ from those enforced last spring and uncertainty remains over some of the finer details. Retailers forced to close will be allowed to sell online for delivery and, where possible, collection.  

This is what we know so far, and will be updated as we find out more:

SHOPS OPEN

Supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, off licences, newsagents and corner shops.

In supermarkets, unlike in Wales, aisles selling non-essential goods will not be closed off. However, there remains a question mark over whether in-store concessions will be able to continue to trade.

As well as the supermarkets,  major chains to so far confirm they will be staying open to walk-in customers are:

Wickes, Wilko, B&Q,  Superdrug, Boots, Poundland, Screwfix, Homebase and Pets at Home.

Westfield shopping centres will stay open, for M&S Foodhall, Waitrose, Boots, Holland & Barrett, WHSmith Post Office and Superdrug.

Petrol stations, and on-site car washes

Car repair garages, bike shops. Halfords said: "We will continue to operate in a way that is safe for both our customers and colleagues."

Vets and pet shops

The Post Office will remain open and Royal Mail will continue the postal delivery service.  

Libraries will be able to remain open for click-and-collect services and for IT access.

Unlike the previous lockdown, dentists will remain open for routine appointments as well as emergency care.   

Opticians have also been given the green light to open for sight tests, routine procedures and check ups this time around as well as emergency treatment.

Banks, building societies, loan providers and money transfer businesses can stay open.

Estate agents and lettings agents can continue to work and people looking to move home can continue to do Covid-safe viewings

 Care home residents in England will be limited to a maximum of two regular visitors, with meetings taking place outdoors "wherever possible''

Argos outlets inside Sainsbury’s will remain open for collecting online orders while shopping for groceries. Standalone shops will likely be forced to close  

Restaurants and pubs can open with takeaway and delivery, with McDonalds, Greggs, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffè Nero all saying they will keep open, albeit some with reduced menus and opening times. 

Pubs can also sell takeaway beer after a last-minute government U-turn.

As well as the supermarkets,  major chains to so far confirm they will be staying open to walk-in customers are:

.. AND CLOSED

Restaurants, bars and pubs must otherwise close.

All gyms and fitness centres will close

Car showrooms will close their doors but purchased cars can be delivered.  

IKEA: Closed

Leisure and entertainment venues: bowling alleys, gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.

Theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls and zoos.

Hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons will also close.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work and for a limited number of other reasons including people who need accommodation while moving house, to attend a funeral or if they are isolating by law.