Alexander Larman

Beware the middle of Lidl

The middle aisle of Lidl is a hit with male shoppers (Getty images)

If you’re a regular, or even an occasional, customer at Lidl, you’ll know what to expect. Own-brand foodstuffs that shamelessly imitate better-known manufacturers and, by doing so, flirt with copyright infringement right up to the edge of legality; a selection of wines, spirits and beers that alternate between excellent value for the money and frankly undrinkable; and, most famously of all, the middle aisle.

Slowly, step away from the Middle of Lidl. Your dignity will thank you later

For the uninitiated, the middle aisle at Lidl has a unique attraction, mainly for men. It seems to have been based on the sketch from The Fast Show in which a man is sent out to buy groceries and, asked if he’s bought what he was asked to reply, invariably replies: “Even better than that!” before giving an account of the useless tat he has come home with.

In every branch of Lidl, there is an opportunity to buy truly bizarre items that defy belief.

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