Pret A Manger aims to boost UK regional expansion with new shop format

Pret A Manger is launching a new shop format that features a more spacious, family-friendly environment with made-to-order food and drink service suited to longer, more relaxed visits.

Unveiled in Broughty Ferry and Maidenhead earlier in June, Pret is trialling this format as it continues to expand outside of London and adapt the brand to suit different working patterns and lifestyles.

Pret in London has long been synonymous with freshly made sandwiches, baguettes and salads, made by Team Members in on-site kitchens and then displayed on a number of refrigerated shelves for customers to easily “grab-and-go” and enjoy at their convenience. Fast, friendly service has always been a focus, with customers in a London Pret typically served in less than a minute, given the vast majority of transactions are for takeaway.

In a departure from this format, much of Pret’s menu in these new shops will be made-to-order, featuring a longer counter where customers can watch their delicious products being made. There will be more space for dine-in customers, as well as a Little Stars Café play area for families with young children to enjoy. Full porcelain crockery will also be provided, while there will only be one ‘ready-to-go’ refrigerated shelf for those customers on the move.

Along with a new shop layout and design, Pret has developed an exclusive menu for these shops more attuned to relaxed, dine-in eating habits. This includes more hot menu items made-to-order including hot ciabattas and sourdough toasties like Meatball & Red Pepper Tapenade Ciabatta Sub and Caprese Melt Sourdough Toastie, as well as new breakfast options including Cinnamon Butter & Banana Sourdough Toast and savoury croissants, and finally, an expansive sweet treats bakery range including tarts and cakes.

Pret’s Baristas will also serve a lightly roasted organic coffee blend exclusive to these new shops, in addition to Pret’s classic 100% organic Arabica coffee and selection of hot and cold drinks.

These openings reflect Pret’s commitment to bringing Pret to more people, in more places across the country, and come as the business reaches 500 shops across the UK. With 82% of new UK shops since January 2023 opening outside of London, Pret’s regional footprint has grown steadily, with an increased focus on locations where people live, shop, commute, and spend time with friends and family.

Pret’s franchise partners Hala Group (Maidenhead) and Joup Group (Dundee) will operate these new shops.

“Throughout the past five years, we’ve made it a priority to bring Pret to more people, whether you’re a City worker commuting to the office, a parent juggling work and family life, or someone catching up with friends. Now, we’re taking that further, making Pret a destination for customers in a bit less of a rush who want a comfortable space to enjoy delicious food and spend time with family and friends,” said Clare Clough, Pret’s managing director for UK & Europe. “Our teams have been hard at work making sure everything from the shop design to the unique menu items have been carefully thought through and we can’t wait to see how our customers respond.”

The Dundee shop, which opened on 10 June, is located in Broughty Ferry, at 251 Brook Street, and has 78 seats. The new shop in Maidenhead, located at 7 Garden Boulevard, Maidenhead, SL6 1QQ, with 87 seats for indoor and outdoor seating, opened on 21 June.