The upgraded food hall at the retailer’s Hempstead Valley branch in Kent emphasises M&S’s fresh food credentials and includes more plastic-free produce, locally sourced lines and engagement features such as a clucking chicken egg display alongside specialist advisors such as sommeliers.

The changes have been led by M&S food managing director Stuart Machin, who is determined to offer the full grocery range in more shops. At present only 12 branches do.