Pret a Manger

Stopped here today briefly to just relax for a bit before heading off to dinner, so I’m not reviewing the sandwiches. I understand that’s what Pret a Manger is known for, so don’t look at my review if you’re considering a sandwich shop. I have no idea what their sandwiches are like, but I’m sure they’re nice!
~ Atmosphere:
Mainly why I’m hesitant to give Pret a Manger any more than 3 stars! I really did not like the atmosphere at all. It had a very crowded feeling that definitely wasn’t conducive to relaxing. In fact, you can barely have a conversation here it’s so crowded and loud! They’re saturated this place with seating as well so you’re most likely going to be less than a foot away from someone from another table, then have to do an awkward shuffle to not bump into them if you want to get out of your seat.
~ Customer Service:
You order at the counter and bring your own food to your table. From what I can tell, the employees here do a great job in the efficiency department; there was a massive queue at the cash register, so I expected to wait ages — that wasn’t the case at all. If you’re stopping by and there’s a queue, I wouldn’t be too put off; you’ll probably make it to the front in no time.
—
I just had a tea here, self service with sugar. It was standard tea so there wasn’t anything special about it.
Basically, I’m willing to visit Pret a Manger again if they truly do make bomb sandwiches. However, I am a bit put off by the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a nice place to have a cuppa, chat, and relax — it’s definitely not here!

Super selection and great atmosphere! Top marks! The staff give great really personal service that makes every visit that little bit special!

Pret a Manger terrifies me.
I was in London on one fine day. Went up on the Megabus, running from Cardiff to Victoria Station. Got out at Victoria to go about my business. As I exited the station, I saw a Starbucks open to customers. I nipped in, grabbed a frappachino because I’m a bohemian soul like that, and then went away. Returned to the station the next day to meet a friend, only to find that Starbucks had been swallowed up by a Pret, that was now open for business.
I don’t know what happened. I don’t know how it happened and I don’t know if what happened was entirely legal, but Starbucks had been swallowed up, Revenge Of The Bodysnatcher style, and transformed into a Pret a Manger; one of only 76 in the city of London.
So, instead of bland, homogenised caffeine products, we get bland, homogenised sandwiches that cost way, way too much. That’s not an entirely bad thing. Variety is the spice of life, but sometimes it’s alright to err on the side of caution.

As far as café’s and snack bars go, Pret A Manger likes to let you know that they are the best offering all the freshness in their sandwiches and wraps. Personally, I like Pret A Manger because it does seem different to all the other snack places out there. Located in St David’s 2 it has a nice seating area if you fancy eating in or you can take your lunch away in a funny looking Pret bag.
Whenever I feel very peckish for some food at lunch I do often tend to visit there because they pack their sandwiches with flavour and this makes me keep coming back. I am fussy when it comes to sandwiches so I do often take some things out of the sandwich like loose tomatoes, which are entirely gross to me. I do wish that they had a wider variety of sandwiches because the ones they make are that good that we deserve to have more flavours. Aside from their fresh sandwiches I did try a hot jalapeño chicken wrap and that tasted wonderful. If you dine in make sure you get a comfy spot! But if it’s sunny then take your lunch outside and enjoy your goody bag of treats.
Pret a Manger is a wonderful sandwich shop that has a punch of flavour. The prices may be a little higher than normal, but you do get the quality of food you pay for!

I had absolutely no idea that Cardiff didn’t have a Pret a Manger!

This place is not particularly cheap, nor does it offer foreign or fun food, but their selection of all the old favourites is not to be sneered at. Their sandwiches and salads are all made fresh on the day, and they have some mouth-​watering fillings and taste combinations. I will recommend the tomato and mozzarella salad to anyone.
The staff here are obviously told to ask you how your day is going, which could be a really awkward moment if their staff were McDonalds-​like employees. Fortunately, they all appear genuinely interested, even at the end of the day, so you come away feeling valued and friendly.
One thing I have noticed, although I’m not sure if it’s just me, but their range of still juices (elderflower, cranberry etc) are impossible to get into! I struggled with a friend to get into my last one, and in the end only hacking at it with a key got us in. So maybe get a coffee.
An added bonus to Pret a Manger is that it’s right next to the cinema, so it’s great for smuggling food into a film.

Well it’s about time Cardiff got its first Pret a Manger! It’s like we’ve been living in the dark ages or something and finally, a little piece of this middle class sandwich chain in the city center.
If you’ve been to a Pret, I assume it’s because you’ve been somewhere other than Wales so you know the drill. If you haven’t then it’s basically a place to grab something tasty on the run.
They offer a selection of sandwiches, wraps and soups so don’t expect to pick up a cheese and onion pasty, instead you’ll likely grab a Mozzarella Pesto Bloomer.
The food is fresh and the staff have been trained to be nice to you so you’re not likely to get any attitude on a busy Saturday lunchtime, so that’s nice.
Can be a little on the pricey side considering they’re selling sarnies, but they’re made fresh that morning so I mustn’t grumble.
Good location, decent grub and terrifyingly insincere staff, Two big thumbs from me.