A NEWLY built supermarket has been given four stars by customers rating the venue on Google.

The Lidl at the Goldstone Retail Park, Hove, has proved a big hit with residents, with some calling it a "welcome addition to the area".

Customers began to filter into the huge new store after the supermarket opened its doors for the first time on April 8.

The venue replaced a Toys R Us store that previously occupied the building.

The shop shut in April 2018 after the toy chain collapsed, and the building has been empty ever since.

Some of the first customers to visit the store have given it a positive review on Google, ranking the venue with an overall four stars.

READ MORE >> First look inside Lidl store at Goldstone Retail Park in Hove

Writing on Google, Sam Elfer said: "Pretty good new store.

"It's clean and tidy and well laid out.

"There is a good selection and prices are very reasonable for the quality.

"A little untidy out front with lots of litter blowing around the car park.

"Quite a lot of space given over to the Middle of Lidl aisles.

"Good if you want that sort of thing!'

Another cusotmer, Charlie Stevens said: "A brand new store so it’s clean, tidy and spacious.

The Argus: Customers said the Lidl store in Hove was 'clean'Customers said the Lidl store in Hove was 'clean'

"A good place to buy some freshly baked pastries for a picnic in Hove Park opposite!

"A welcome addition to the area which I’m sure will bring footfall to the other nearby retailers."

However, there were also a handful of two and three-star reviews.

Kris Salfarlie said: "I have been looking forward to this store opening since I heard about it, so after seeing all the great words in The Argus and after giving it a day after opening, I decided to go.

"I went in at 11.00am straight off the bat, it was not covid friendly at all/

"shelves were being filled with cages which caused more pinch points in the aisles than anything good.

"Veg and fruit were going rotten and staff seemed happy and helpful.

"But in my eyes not enough to redeem personally.

"I might go there again in a few weeks and maybe re-write my review but for now they get two stars cause it definitely needs some attention to details."

The store is open between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays, with bosses promising to offer "Lidl’s fresh, quality and great value produce to the local community".

Alongside the in-store bakery and Middle of Lidl, it also provides a sales area covering about 1,727 square metres, customer toilets and parking for cars and bicycles.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property Adam Forsdick said: "We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing our new store to Brighton.

"It is great for us to be able to create more jobs in the area, and we are proud to serve the local community at this time."