Pret A Manger, the London-founded premium sandwich and organic coffee chain, has launched its first-ever drive-thru outlet, marking a major strategic shift as it expands beyond its traditional high-street footprint into roadside and travel retail.
The new location has opened at a forecourt site operated by Motor Fuel Group near Junction 21 of the M6 in Warrington, introducing a format that positions Pret more directly against established drive-thru competitors in the UK market.
The purpose-built site spans approximately 2,000 sq. ft. and features a single-lane drive-thru with digital ordering screens, alongside indoor seating for around 48 customers, parking, restrooms, and EV charging facilities. Designed as a hybrid model, the outlet integrates drive-thru, takeaway, and dine-in services, offering Pret’s full range of freshly prepared food and organic coffee tailored for speed and convenience. The launch was supported by promotional offers, including free coffees and food items, aimed at driving trial and awareness as part of the company’s ongoing customer engagement initiatives.
Commenting on the development, Ross Warnes, President, UK & Ireland at Pret A Manger, said: “Travel hubs and roadside locations present a huge growth opportunity for Pret. This launch is an important step in bringing our freshly made food and organic coffee to customers wherever they are,” adding that the company is keen to “test and learn from this format” as it evolves its estate strategy.
Jack Tindall, Head of Foodservice Operations at Motor Fuel Group, added: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Pret on launching its first drive-thru format. This is a landmark moment and reflects our ambition to bring leading foodservice brands to roadside customers.”
The move forms part of Pret’s broader expansion push into travel-oriented locations, with the company already operating around 60 roadside sites and a further 30 in development, including additional drive-thru formats. Over the longer term, Pret has outlined ambitions to significantly scale its UK presence to around 1,500 stores, up from roughly 500 currently, while also accelerating growth globally across more than 700 shops in over 19 markets. The drive-thru debut underscores a wider shift in strategy as Pret looks to diversify beyond city-centre office locations and capture demand from motorists, commuters, and suburban consumers, positioning roadside retail as a key growth channel for the brand’s next phase of expansion.
