Waitrose Caversham Files for 24-Hour License: What the Changes Mean for Local Shoppers
CAVERSHAM, READING — One of the most prominent supermarkets in St Martin’s Precinct is preparing for a significant operational shift. On March 16, 2026, Waitrose & Partners officially submitted a variation of its premises license to Reading Borough Council for the branch located at 51 Church Street, Caversham.
The application, which is currently open for public representation until April 13, 2026, suggests a move toward a much more flexible, round-the-clock service model.
The Move to 24/7 Supply
The core of the “change” involves the supply of alcohol. Waitrose has applied to vary its license to allow for the supply of alcohol Monday to Sunday, 00:00 to 24:00 (24 hours).
While this does not necessarily mean the physical store will be open for walk-in customers at 3:00 AM, it is a strategic move seen across several Waitrose branches in 2026 to facilitate:
- Late-Night Delivery: Expanding partnerships with Deliveroo, UberEats, and Just Eat to provide 24-hour delivery of groceries, including alcohol.
- Operational Efficiency: Allowing the store to fulfill online orders and “dark store” operations during the early hours.
Part of a Global Investment
This update comes as part of a wider £1 billion investment by the John Lewis Partnership into the Waitrose estate. Several branches across the South East are being “modernized” in the first half of 2026, focusing on:
- Improved Refrigeration: Upgrading to energy-efficient systems.
- Expanded “John Lewis” Sections: More dedicated space for homeware and gifting.
- Click & Collect Upgrades: Streamlining the process for local residents in Caversham to pick up online orders from both Waitrose and John Lewis.
FAQ: Waitrose Caversham Changes 2026
1. Is Waitrose Caversham closing? No. On the contrary, the company is investing in the site to expand its service capabilities.
2. Will the store be open 24 hours a day for walk-in shopping? Likely no. 24-hour licenses are typically used to support online delivery services rather than keeping the physical doors open all night, though the store has not officially ruled out extended hours.
3. When will these changes take effect? The licensing consultation ends on April 13, 2026. If approved, the new hours could be implemented shortly thereafter.
4. Can I still park at St Martin’s Precinct during these changes? Yes. There are no currently announced plans to reduce the parking capacity at the Caversham site during this operational transition.
5. How can I give my feedback on the 24-hour license? Local residents can submit their views to the Reading Borough Council Licensing Team before the April 13 deadline.
Final Thoughts
The shift in Caversham reflects a broader trend in 2026: the “Supermarket-as-a-Hub” model. By securing 24-hour licenses, Waitrose is ensuring it can compete with rapid-delivery apps and serve the growing “after-midnight” economy in Reading. For Caversham residents, this means more convenience, even if the storefront itself still closes its doors at the usual time.