The coffee shop has ceased trading in one part of the UK, with proposals already underway to transform the busy high street branch
Pret A Manger has shut down its Brentwood, Essex branch, with plans already in motion to convert the bustling high street location, according to documents submitted to the local council. The paperwork shows proposals for new signage at the former Pret A Manger premises, and if the plans get the green light, the coffee chain is set to be transformed into a Hotel Chocolat shop and café, The Sun reported.
Velvetiser cafés have been popping up across Britain in recent months, with this potential location ready to join the chocolatier’s expanding network. The Pret branch now stands empty with its doors boarded up and furniture piled away.
A sign on the door reads: “We’re now closed. Thank you to our brilliant team and you, our amazing customers, for your support.
“Keep an eye on our social channels and website to learn more about future new openings.
“Find us on Instagram @pret or visit us at pret.co.uk.”
No opening date has been announced for the replacement business, though it appears the initial planning stages are still ongoing.
The documentation states: “The proposed signage illustrated on the submitted drawings seek to provide an improved shopfront appearance to allow beneficial conversion of the existing shop to a Hotel Chocolat Shop and Velvetiser Cafe.
“The signage represents a replacement of existing signage.
“The signage has been sensitively designed to reflect the appearance of the host building’s shopfront and its position in the context of neighbouring listed buildings and Brentwood Town Centre Conservation Area, and is not considered excessive or obstructive.
“The materials and illumination used are respectful, in keeping with, and complementary to the host building and setting.”
A Pret spokesperson said: “Closing a shop is never a decision we take lightly and it has been a pleasure to serve customers our freshly made food and organic coffees in Brentwood.
“While we’re sad to be leaving Brentwood, we hope customers continue to visit us in our other shops across Essex.”
It’s understood there are five other branches across Essex where customers can still get their fix, as Pret pushes ahead with its ongoing growth plans nationwide.
Pret A Manger operates more than 500 stores across the country. The brand has made its name selling coffee, sandwiches, salads and soups for busy customers seeking quick meals on the go.
