LONDON – A handful of Tesco stores across London are trying out longer operating hours to coincide with the Underground's new Night Tube schedule in a bid to increase convenience for late night and early morning travelers.

Beginning August 19, Tesco began testing seven stores on a 24-hour schedule on Fridays and Saturdays along the Victoria and Central lines.

"London is such a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit, and the Night Tube provides people with a great way to experience the city at a time that suits them best,” said Martin Smith, Tesco's London convenience director.

To mark the launch of these extended hours, Tesco set up “hydration stations” at the front of stores from 3 am to 7 am on August 19 and 20. Tesco staff handed out their branded freshly squeezed orange juice and cold bottled water, rewarding night workers benefiting from the new 24-hour service and helping refresh partygoers heading home after a night out.