Tesco at Coatbridge, in Strathclyde, beat off competition from Asda, Morrisons and Safeway to claim this week's cheapest full basket at £37.09. The Tesco team north of the border clocked up full marks on their operational duties, and provided the cheapest basket by 24p, thanks to promotions on Stella and Hardys, plus 15% off Nescafé and a deal on Penguins. Asda in Leicester was pipped on price even though it failed to charge our shopper for baked beans and the receipt rang up £2.78 for Persil ­ 1p less than the shelf price. Morrisons was as challenging as ever on price but was let down at Winsford by clogged up aisles in the fruit, veg and chilled areas. The checkout operator also stunned our shopper when his request for help with packing was met by, "Mr Morrison has decided that we do not have packers on checkouts". Pity, he might have needed it to take advantage of some of their deals, like two four-packs of Stella for £7 or a bogof on 12 Kingsmill rolls for 99p. Safeway's full basket in Hexham cost £5.30 (14.2%) more than at Tesco. Our shopper found the store difficult to navigate, taking two hours to shop only to find a £25 parking ticket on the car! Signs failed to make it clear the area was a pay and display council-run operation. Morrisons in Kent impressed as a "clean and bright store with quality fresh produce". Our shopper at Sainsbury in Thetford said staff were friendly and helpful. At Waitrose in Sidmouth none of the staff wore badges and the layout immediately inside the entrance was "poor". At Somerfield in Caldicot the sausages and bacon available were premium only. The store was well merchandised for a quick shop but only eight of the 13 tills were operating, causing a 10-minute wait. {{GROCER 33 }}

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