Pret A Manger’s first NI store site revealed

The site of Pret A Manger’s first store in Northern Ireland has been revealed.

The sandwich chain favourite, which has already opened two stores in Dublin, is set to open at Donegall Square West, in the premises previously occupied by Patisserie Valerie.

Last September, Patisserie Valerie announced plans to shut its three Belfast cafes that had not recovered “as well as expected” following the pandemic.

The coffee and pastries business shut nine patisseries following a review of its store estate, including outlets in Belfast’s Donegall Square, Castle Lane and at Forestside Shopping Centre in the south of the city.

Founded in London in 1983, Pret A Manger gets its name from the French translation of ‘ready to eat’.

As it prepares to open its first outlet in Northern Ireland, the sandwich specialist has reported strong half-year results.

The food-to-go chain said strong demand for its subscription service helped drive half-year revenues up by more than a fifth despite a recent move to hike the price of the deal.

The company reported revenues of £429.9 million for the first six months of 2023, up 20.2% on a year ago.

Last year, the business announced plans to open branches across the island of Ireland, with the aim of having 20 units over the next decade.

Pret A Manger said strong demand for its subscription service has helped drive half-year revenues up by more than a fifth despite a recent move to hike the price of the deal.