Tesco is planning to launch a clutch of Finest pop-up stores in major cities across the UK during the golden quarter.

The supermarket giant will use the spaces to sell some its premium own-label products, including wine, over a four- to six-week period ahead of Christmas.

Tesco is understood to be eyeing small units in London and a number of other cities in which to launch the shops-cum-wine-bars, according to The Grocer.

The supermarket giant has trialled a similar format before. It opened a temporary Finest wine bar in London’s Soho during the summer of 2016, stocking 48 different wines from its premium alcohol range.

Tesco said at the time that the move was designed to “bring the Finest brand to life”.

The grocer’s outgoing boss Dave Lewis hinted earlier this year that Tesco could launch standalone Finest shops to better showcase its top-tier food and drink ranges.

He said: “We have a very high percentage of more upmarket customers.

“The opportunity to curate that range and bring new things in a more convenient outlet is something that we have tested, is something we’re interested in.”