Veggie Pret shelves

The Veggie Pret in Manchester will come alongside its Pret’s three other vegetarian branches in London.

Pret A Manger is to open its first vegetarian store outside London, in Deansgate, Manchester.

The food-to-go chain tweeted the announcement of its fourth Veggie Pret earlier today. It said: ‘Veggie Pret is growing… welcome to the family Deansgate, Manchester. Opening in October. More info coming soon!’

CEO Clive Schlee said he was “thrilled” with the branch opening.

Items in the Manchester store will include Spicy Halloumi & Pepper Baguette and Butternut & Cauliflower Gratin, as well as vegan options such as Roasted Butternut Squash; Dairy-free Mac & Cheese; Spicy Chakalaka Bean Wrap with Red Pepper, and Baby Spinach & Coconut Yoghurt.

Pret’s regular branches are also incorporating more allergen-free, vegetarian and vegan products. These include Pea & Mint Soup (vegan and gluten-free), Pesto, Butternut Squash & Roasted Tomato Flatbread (vegetarian) and Almond Butter Bites (vegan).

The new Veggie Pret follows the success of Pret’s three other vegetarian branches in London’s Exmouth Market, Soho and Shoreditch. The concept for the vegetarian-only stores was first tested as a pop-up in Soho in June 2016, before gaining permanent residency due to its popularity with customers.

Manchester’s Veggie Pret comes as the chain’s sales increased by over £100m in the year ending December 2017. It recorded a 13.2% increase in sales, to £878.5m, and rising store numbers drove sales forward, with like-for-like sales up 3.2% compared to 2016.