Mayor of Guildford joins bp Merrow reopening, celebrating new M&S bakery offer and refreshed store design
bp’s Merrow retail site has reopened following a full refurbishment, unveiling a brighter, more modern store designed around the needs and shopping habits of the local community.
The upgraded site was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, alongside bp’s Jo Hayward, vice president mobility & convenience retail UK.
A key addition to the refreshed store is a brand-new M&S bakery, believed to be a first for a bp forecourt, offering freshly baked sourdough, farmhouse loaves, rolls, pretzels and pizzettas. The store’s wider food offering has also been expanded, with an extended M&S food range and additional fresh and frozen products from leading brands aimed at customers buying food for later.
The wildbean café continues to serve hot food favourites, including croissants, pastries, cookies, sausage rolls and ciabattas, complemented by a new self-serve coffee machine for quicker service.
Shoppers will also find a dedicated gifting zone, featuring bouquets, potted plants, boxed chocolates, cards, wrapping paper and a broad selection of wines and sparkling drinks, providing a convenient option for last-minute presents.
One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of new self-checkout tills, allowing customers to pay for both fuel and shop items in a single transaction. The system is designed to reduce queues and deliver a faster, more seamless shopping experience.
The reopening strengthens the site’s role as an integrated convenience and mobility hub, complementing its existing EV charging bays. According to bp, the revamped Merrow site reflects the company’s evolving approach to serving both EV drivers and traditional fuel customers with efficient, customer-centred locations.
Merrow is one of four bp sites, alongside Pinkham Way, Budbrooke and Poppleton, trialling new store formats developed using local customer insights. If successful, bp plans to expand these community-informed designs to additional sites in 2026.
Jo Hayward said the refreshed stores mark the beginning of a new customer-led approach:
“We’re really excited to be reopening four of our sites, and they’ve been shaped entirely by what local customers have told us they want. This is just the start, we’ll keep listening, learning and trying new ideas to ensure we are the first choice for our customers on the roadside.”
Store manager Dan Whiteman added:
“Our team has been so excited to reopen Merrow and seeing our customers’ reactions. The refreshed store feels bright and modern, with freshly baked M&S bread, great food for later and quicker ways to shop. We hope our regulars love it as much as we do.”