Popular bakery chain issues major update on 24-hour opening times – and it’s good news for fans

A POPULAR bakery chain has confirmed a major update on its plans to open a 24-hour branch - and fast food fans will be thrilled.

Greggs has been pushing to keep its branch in Leicester Square open to customers beyond 11pm.

The high street chain had originally been denied permission to sell food 24 hours a day by Westminster City council in April.

Police warned that later opening hours could lead to more crime in the area.

Greggs was set to appeal the decision in court today, but it managed to reach an agreement that will allow it to sell food until 2am.

Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie said: "We have been working with Westminster Council and we are glad to have found a solution.

"The court hearing has been cancelled and we have a positive result.

“We will be open beyond the midnight cusp and open Thursday and Friday through to 2am."

Greggs was able to sell its sausage rolls late at night because they are only warmed in store, but needed special permission to sell hot bacon baps and tea and coffee after midnight. 

It comes just hours after the bakery revealed its sales surged by nearly a fifth over the last year.

The chain said hot food such as chicken goujons, pizza and wedges are proving popular as it continues to target evening diners.

Greggs has already extended opening hours for around 500 shops to 8pm or later.

It also confirmed earlier this year that it has plans to open 24-hour drive thru service.

There are currently 17 drive-thru locations across the country and it's planning to open a further eight to ten of them this year.

Drive-thrus usually open around 6am and close around 9-10pm.

Greggs currently has more than 2,630 shops across the country.

Branches are popping up inside other stores, such as Primark and Tesco.

Primark launched Tasty by Greggs concessions in both Birmingham and Oxford Street East in 2022.

In March this year the Newcastle Primark also got its very own bakery.

Primark shoppers in both Liverpool and Leeds will also soon see concessions popping up in their local stores.

While 28 Tesco scores across the UK now have Greggs cafes.

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