Marks And Spencer Princess Alice Opening Times

So, picture me last Tuesday: I’ve got an hour to spare in Hastings, the wind is whipping my hair into a frenzy, and I’m feeling very Victorian. Naturally, I decide I need a proper, sit-down tea with a scone. My phone is dead—because of course it is—and I’m standing outside Marks & Spencer, squinting at a tiny, rain-smudged sign. That sign? It mentioned something called “Princess Alice Opening Times.”

And I thought: Is that a new perfume? A secret royal discount hour? Spoiler: it’s neither. But if you’ve ever stood exactly where I was, confused and hungry, you’re not alone. Let’s unravel this wonderfully British riddle together, shall we?

What on Earth is the “Princess Alice” Anyway?

First, let’s clear up the biggest confusion. The “Princess Alice” is not a person standing at the door checking watches—though that would be amazing. It’s the name of a specific Marks & Spencer café format.

Think of it as M&S’s fancy, sit-down restaurant version of their regular café. You know, the one with the real china mugs and the waiters who bring your tea to the table? Exactly. It’s a little more “do put your napkin on your lap” and a little less “grab a fork and hope for the best.”

They named it after the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who was a big fan of the store. And because we’re British, we turned a royal endorsement into an entire operational schedule. Naturally.

Why the Opening Times Feel Like a Secret Code

Here’s where it gets fun. The Princess Alice opening times are not the same as the general M&S store hours. And that’s the trap I fell into—hook, line, and soggy scone.

Generally, the main M&S doors open at 8:00 AM for food hall shoppers. But the Princess Alice café? It often doesn’t unlock its doors until 9:00 AM or even 9:30 AM. You can be in the store, basket full of Percy Pigs, but there’s a velvet rope (or, more accurately, a politely closed door) blocking your path to the scones.

And on Sundays? Oh, reader, brace yourself. The café usually opens later and closes earlier than the shop floor. It’s like they’re playing a game of “how badly do you want that Victoria Sponge?” And the answer is: pretty badly, but not badly enough to wait until 11:00 AM.

What You Actually Need to Know

Right, let’s cut the waffle. Here are the unofficial yet very reliable rules for Princess Alice opening times, based on my many mistakes:

• Weekdays (Monday–Saturday): They typically open between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. They close around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM. Do not arrive at 5:45 PM and expect a hot tea. They will look at you with gentle pity.
• Sundays: This is the wild card. Many open at 11:00 AM and close by 4:00 PM. Yes, four in the afternoon. It’s almost rude.

Pro tip: The café always follows bank holiday hours like a terrified puppy. If it’s a Monday off for the Queen’s birthday? Call ahead. Seriously. Save yourself the walk of shame.

The “Toddler Trap” (A Side Note for Parents)

If you’re thinking of taking little ones, know this: the Princess Alice café is not the self-service counter. It’s a table-service restaurant. This means no grabbing a quick yoghurt pouch and fleeing. You sit. You wait. You order a pot of tea. And if your toddler has the patience of a gnat (like mine), pick the regular M&S café instead. Trust me on that one.

How to Avoid My Exact Mistake

So, how do you avoid standing outside like a damp, confused tourist? Check the M&S store’s website for that specific branch. Not the general M&S page—the local one.

Or, even better: call them. I know, I know—talking on the phone is terrifying. But a 30-second call to the store asking, “Hi, when does your Princess Alice café open?” saves you exactly the kind of heartbreak I suffered. The staff are always lovely about it. They expect the question.

And if you’re feeling bold, just walk into the main store at 8:30 AM, look for the café area, and if the lights are off? Turn around. Go get a coffee from the food hall. The scone can wait until 9:00 AM.

One Last Quirk You’ll Love

Here’s a fun irony: some larger M&S branches have two cafés—the regular one and the Princess Alice. And sometimes, the regular one opens earlier. So you could be sitting in the “peasant” café sipping a flat white, while the Princess Alice team is still polishing the silver. It’s a very British caste system, but with scones.

I once asked a manager why they don’t just synchronize the times. She looked me dead in the eye and said, “It’s about the experience, love.” Fair enough. The experience of waiting, apparently.

The Final Verdict

To wrap this up: the Princess Alice opening times are a beautiful, frustrating, very English thing. They exist to make you feel fancy, but also to test your patience. For the love of all that is buttery, just check the times before you go.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to Hastings again this Saturday. And I’ve already Googled the times. I’m bringing a backup biscuit for the waiting period. You should, too.