Prêt a Manger – Sandwich maker with a conscience or yuppy café – depending on your point of view ! (Pret a Manger)

Member Name: libertybell

Product:	Pret a Manger
Date:	25/09/00 (881 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fresh well made sandwiches, built on good social principles, good as an occasional indulgence, there's a branch in Reading

Disadvantages: Expensive if you eat there regularly, pretentious, they no longer do my favourite sandwich !!

I came across my first Prêt when I started working in London. In fact I think they are largely a London phenomenon though I saw one in Birmingham 2 years ago and there must be others in the big cities.

Well what makes them so special ? I would say that Prêt are to sandwich making what Bodyshop are to the cosmetic industry. Prêt use only the freshest ingredients and make their sandwiches on the premises each day. They shun artificial ingredients and go for chunky sandwiches. Any uneaten sandwiches by the end of the day are given to the homeless free of charge. They introduced coffee with organic milk last spring – a first. They also sell pastries, cakes, sushi, their own crisps as well as coffee/tea etc.

Their products are packed in recycled packaging whereby possible. They even encourage you to contact the MD if you have a problem (details on recycled carrier bag !)

The stores vary in size but have 1 thing in common – the floor. It’s metallic with the ridges in to stop you slipping over. This type of floor tends to get used for building footbridges but is a signature of Prêt. All stores have seating near to the window where you can munch your croissant. Others additionally have round tables with stools.

Its all well and good having these ethics but there is a price – the price. It’s not cheap to eat in a Prêt. A chunky BLT sandwich with mayonnaise can easily cost £2.50. Add in a coffee for £1.10 and a bag of crisps and you have the £4 lunch. It doesn’t seem to have affected sales. Perhaps Londoners are prepared to pay the price (or are yuppies).

I like Prêt and go there once in a while for the quality. I am miffed that they have stopped selling 2 of my favourite types of sandwich. These were Coronation chicken and Ploughman’s lunch. The coronation chicken was heaven and I will never forgive Prêt for this !

So there you are. There’re not cheap but nor is a sandwich b
ought at a railway station. You do get real quality and its done for applaudable reasons. The range is a bit too limited and its too expensive to do it every day.

And when are they going to re-introduce Coronation chicken ? Now where is the carrier bag with the number of the Managing Director ?!!!???

*** Update 16/12/2000

Pret has come to Reading. Their first store opened on Monday 11/12/2000. Its based in the new entrance to the Oracle on Friar Street (opposite the Virgin Mobile shop). My Wife went there, was very impressed and even told me they sell Coronation chicken sarnies !!

In their true tradition, Pret in Reading will give all their uneaten sarnies to the Salvation Army to feed the homeless. Someone will be very happy !!

I must admit to not visiting Pret that often - must be the cost. I will give the Reading branch a visit !!

*** Update 2/2/2001

Mcdonalds have announced they have taken a 33% stake in Pret. Although many may feel that this is a betrayal of Pret's values - Mcdonalds say that they will have no involvement in the day-to-day running of Pret and they are there to develop the brand. Mcdonalds also have bought up the Aroma coffee brand. We will see what happens in the future.

I read in the paper that the Queen is so impressed with Pret that she buys sandwiches for her staff from them. Haven't see the crest of arms on the Pret carrier bag yet !!

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