Sainsbury's

As far as Sainsbury's stores go, it's on the better end of the spectrum (given its currently the only "main shop" in Brentwood I would hope as such!) but that's not really saying much - needs more staff and better lay out consideration (especially if you're there for the "free from" stuff like we get). Also don't forget to redeem your parking when you leave!

Having become a convert to a foreign interloper several years ago we no longer enjoy these great big stores. People fighting for parking spaces was a put off before we even started. Hustle and bustle inside store not a good experience. Glad to get out of it. Only good side was they actually had tills open with cashier's operating them, albeit it took some time for a solitary supervisor to arrive and sort out a query. Oh yeah, we don't like the prices either.

Located behind the main high street which can be accessed via several alleyways, this is a superstore that also includes a section for Argos (from the main entrance, head straight to the back of the store).

It's as any other large Sainsbury's store, well-lit and well-stocked.

From the main entrance on the right is customer service, newspaper and magazine stands as well as tills for a small shop and tobacco products.

Straight ahead is the homeware, stationery, clothing and toys section.

To the left is the start of the groceries, starting with fresh produce.

There are plenty of tills and a dedicated section for self-service.

There are pizza, sushi and hot-food counters, as well as a bakery.

There's a Lloyd's Pharmacy located within the health care section which is handy to collect prescriptions and asking for medical advice.

If you are using the scan as you shop, becareful! Make sure you check the prices on the screen and the label are same. Prices on the scanner come out higher than the labels for some items and when you bring this up to a cashier, you get attitude from them. if you have kids, car seats etc, good luck getting a spot at the child& parent parking. Some idiots park there with no kids and security does nothing about it.

Great store but a nightmare to get out of the store in your car on weekdays between 3.30 and 6 pm due to schools, roundabouts and traffic lights not working at their best to keep the traffic flow moving. Outside these times and at weekends it's great 👍

Has lots of variety, good pharmacy area with lots of makeup and accessories. Has a lindt pick and mix and good home and clothing store.

Was overcharged (2 bottles of champagne put through as 3), no problem, mistakes happen. Went to customer service, huge queue so I asked a member of staff to get a manager as I didn't feel I should have to wait around to get their mistake fixed. Member of staff returned advising his manager had said the only way to get it resolved was to queue for customer services. I asked again to speak to the manager but they had disappeared. My main complaint is against that manager (other staff were fine) who obviously has no idea what good customer service is & was happy for a customer to hang around wasting time to fix their mistake.

Sainsbury was okay, though they had an extremely long queue at the self-service till and only one member of staff to manage it. Don't recommend if you're in a rush or looking for the new pistachio Lindores from the pick and mix as they were completely sold out.