Pret plans restaurant chain

THE Pret A Manger sandwich chain plans to open a string of 'lounge style' restaurants. The company, which has built its success catering for office workers on the move, says the new Pret Cafe concept is aimed at customers who might want to stop for half an hour.

The minimalist look of Pret A Manger will be replaced by carpets, comfortable leather sofas, lots of wood and low tables.

Coffee will be served in china cups and diners can eat with wooden cutlery as opposed to the plastic knives and forks provided until now.

The menu is also designed to be different, with bigger salads, savoury pastries and 'no bread' sandwiches.

The first Pret Cafe opened at the start of the month in Putney, south London.

Pret A Manger, which is investing £50m in the new venture, wants to open another 200 over the next four years in town centres, airports, service stations and shopping areas.

Julian Metcalfe, founder of Pret A Manger, said Pret Cafes were designed to differ from 'posh restaurants'.

He said: 'It's for people who want good food without the nightmare wait and ridiculously high cost.'