Asda arrives on the Old Kent Road

The store has been the subject of great controversy, and squatters from the Dis-Asda campaign occupied part of the site on the corner of Old Kent Road and Ossory Road to try to prevent the builders from moving in.

Green Party London Assembly member Jenny Jones said last year: "Many small businesses are being forced out by the move and local people who already face the daily drudgery of traffic pollution, noise and congestion will suffer yet more."

The Pearly King and Queen of Southwark

The store opened to the public at 10am on Monday morning, though a small queue was already forming by 8.30am. The Pearly King and Queen of Southwark cut the ribbon, and a giant cake was displayed in the main entrance.

Asda Old Kent Road has a George clothing department and a small cafe.

• The store is open Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm; Sunday 10am-4pm
• Tel 020 7500 7900