When the supermarket giant applied to open a second store on the same road, it sparked worries over late night antisocial behaviour and street drinking around East Finchley Tube station.
Some feared a Tescopoly would threaten their independent stores and harm the “village character,” while others felt it would boost traffic in an already congested area, with concern of shoppers taking risky manoeuvres around the station forecourt.
But police offered no objections to the new supermarket, and Barnet Council gave the scheme the green light last November.
The East Finchley Station Express opened last Thursday (February 20) at 12-18 High Road under a block of flats opposite the Tube station.
It features a range of food to go options, a bakery section, Costa Coffee and InPost lockers, as well as 10 staff including six newly employed by Tesco.
Store manager Thiviya Thayaparan said: “Opening a new store is pressure, but it’s the good kind.
“A new store means a fresh culture, a fresh team, and the chance to set standards from day one.
“It’s like a blank canvas. I get to shape how the team works, how the store feels, and how we perform.
“It’s a big responsibility, but after opening a few already, I see it as an opportunity more than anything. It’s where my leadership would be really challenged.
“I am genuinely excited, to be working with the local community, building a strong team and seeing them grow.”
East Finchley schools, charities and not-for-profit organisations are being invited to apply for up to £1,500 for causes that improve access to healthy, nutritious food for children and young people.
It could include breakfast or holiday clubs, cooking or gardening initiatives, or providing fruit or healthy snacks for a sports club.
The new store is also participating in the Community Food Connection scheme, which redistributes surplus food to charities and community groups from every Tesco store at the end of each day.
