Pret A Manger

A Pret A Manger is a Pret A Manger is a Pret A Manger… but sometimes, they need little Unilocal love too. A hat tip to Paddy H for reminding me that as much as I turn my nose up at chains, there are occasions where they kick ass and deserve a nod. Pret A Manger often falls into this category, so this review was a long time coming.
I quite like Pret. If i’m in a rush, it’s a no brainer for fast food that doesn’t make me feel like a slug. A veggie toastie and a juice; a sandwich and a nut milk; a salad and a ginger/​lemon shot — all are regular staples in the «Jody miscalculated her schedule and now has to eat in ten minutes while running between meetings» list. It’s fast, decently priced and always a half decent meal on the run. Note: I can’t speak to their coffee or pastry selection, as I haven’t tried either.
This particular Pret has some darn cheerful faces behind the counter as well and the service has always been pleasant. It’s clean, bright and from my experience, not that busy (keep in mind, i’m usually running through after realizing I had missed lunch completely — roughly 2−3pm). That’s enough for a four star nod from me.

Die Kette hat sich auf die Fahnen geschrieben, nachhaltiges essen anzubieten. Tiere werden entsprechend behandelt und Bio ist an der Tagesordnung.
Überraschender Geschmack, wenn man Sandwichs mit natürlichen Zutaten isst und die nicht die mit Zusatz– und Konservierungsstoffen überfrachteten Angebote hiesiger Produktion.
Wir haben uns durch die ganze Palette geschlemmt und auch wenn es etwas teurer war, es hat sich gelohnt. Alles war richtig lecker und das Personal war stets freundlich. Schade, dass es dies nicht bei uns gibt.

Pret is quite simply lunch perfection.
There’s not much seating up front, but there’s plenty in back. And the staff at this particular location are tremendous. One guy didn’t approve that our mozzarella and pesto panini came out a little burnt, so he ran over, grabbed a fresh one and did it again!
Plus, he still gave us the first panini, which we were then able to pass on to a homeless person outside.

Best almond croissants and the coffee is good too, excellent lunch choices, very good toasties (i like the ham cheese & mustard ones), staff are excellent!

Ok, so it’s a chain but as Unilocal so aptly puts it on the star rating-​o-​meter «I’m a fan!» When I’m in town and need lunch without much fuss, but something that tastes more freshly made than M&S, Pret is my go-​to.
It doesn’t need too much description, but their soups are delicous and especially their coffee. At Christmas time their mince pies are the best I’ve found, and their chocolate croissants are a really indulgent breakfast treat. Mmm.
My only gripe is there isn’t one in the Old Town as it’s a bit of a trek when I’m really craving one of their tuna baguettes…

Got the munchies and realised it’s already 4.30pm?
Don’t sweat, just wander over to Hanover Street and browse through Pret’s delicious range of soups, sandwiches, baguettes, salads, hot wraps and pastries. Everything is made fresh throughout the day and the fact the shop’s open til 7pm means there’s always something left in the fridge.
For those on a health kick, they also sell apples, bananas, orange juice, smoothies, detox cordial, sushi and miso soup. I’ve had the latter on a handful of occasions and rate it better than the miso soup at both Yo! Sushi and Wagamama.