When you pop down to the supermarket to get some eggs and bread - would you fancy a couple of pints as well?

Well, this soon may be a reality - as Lidl in Northern Ireland has succeeded in its efforts to get a pub license in its new store in County Down.

The retail giant won a legal challenge to operate a bar within its store in Dundonald despite several objections from local off-licences.

Lidl got planning approval in 2020 to build a tap room on its Dundonald site - just outside of Belfast.

The suggested plan saw an investment of £410,000 (€490,000) in a new in-store pub and an off-sales section.

Lidl also planned on coming to an agreement with the owners of a nearby bar to give up that licence – as in the North, no new alcohol-selling licenses can be issued until an existing one is surrendered.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Breakfast Business presenter Joe Lynam said it will be “very interesting” to see how it works out for Lidl.

He also said he would be interested to see what “excuses will be given to wives” for “nipping down to the supermarket”.

Presenters Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman joked that sales in Lidl’s iconic middle aisle will rocket if consumers have had a couple of pints before shopping.

“Sales of steel cap boots will be going through the roof,” Ciara laughed.

In response to a request for comment on if Lidl will be extending this plan to stores in the Republic of Ireland, Lidl said it has no updates to share at the moment.

Split image of Lidl sign (R) and bar tap (L)