Leading London foodies on their budget store gems

Aldi and Lidl are rising in popularity due to cost but also their quirky buys here Josh Barrie asks the experts for their favourite finds

- Aldi and Lidl

THE cost of living crisis is affecting us all, and this has caused in steeper rise in the numbers flocking to budget stores. Last year Aldi took over from Morrison's as the fourth biggest supermarket in the country, and went on to win Supermarket of the Year 2022. Lidl too has increased in popularity, with sales soaring 20.9 per cent in the autumn as the crisis took hold. The German duo seem to have found a place even on the biggest name's shopping lists, including Mark Hix, new director of food at the Groucho Club, who knows both chains well enough to have a favourite (Lidl, as it happens).

Yet it is not merely about the prices, it is about the treasure hunting. These places are now firmly established in the hearts of shoppers because of the power of discovery in their aisles: the odd curios, the cheap versions of expensive classics, as well as cheeky copycat products. Here are some of the cult items that chefs, restaurateurs and the Evening Standard's food experts love to pick up on their trips there.

CHEF'S HAUL 

Gizzi Erskine

I love the whole concept of Aldi - it feels like a supermarket made for thrifty blaggers. There's something entirely unethical about its offering, but I want a part of it. I really do. Their wine selection is really bonkers. I'd kill for Barolo wine, but it's stupidly expensive. Not at Aldi. It's £10 and brilliant. And in a time of austerity, when I have my neighbours asking if I can get discounts on Lurpak butter, Aldi makes sense (Spreadable Nordpak, 500g, £2.29).

Richard Corrigan, 

Bentley's

It's not quite Easter yet but I love Aldi's  chocolate. I like the yoghurt too (Brooklea Green-style, 1kg, €1.45) and the vegetables. And the odd bottle of wine - Aldi buys well.