Pret reopens 20 more sites in the capital

Last month the chain reopened an initial 10 stores in the capital​​, having previously closed its entire estate as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic back in late March.

Those sites were chosen because of their proximity to hospitals in the capital; it hasn’t been said whether Pret applied the same method again when choosing which stores to open. 

All reopened sites are offering delivery through third party platforms, as well as takeaway; with a maximum of six people allowed in the stores at any one time.

Menus have been limited to allow for social distancing to be followed in the kitchens; and a selection of essential grocery items including milk, butter and tea are also being stocked.

A 50% discount for NHS workers, which was only due to run until the end of April, has also been extended until 15th May.

"I believe we’ve found a way to operate that reflects Government guidance and looks after our teams and customers,” says Pret CEO Pano Christou. 

“We have now reopened a further 20 shops in London for takeaway and delivery across all major platforms, helping more people get access to freshly made food.”

The news comes as high street bakery chain Greggs backtracked on its trial to reopen 20 sites​​, saying it was concerned that “excessive numbers” of customers visiting its reopened stores could affect its ability to test social distancing and safety measures. 

In an email to staff posted on its website, Greggs’ chief executive Roger Whiteside said the company would now operate the trial “behind closed doors only”, with walk-in customers invited “only when we can be confident of doing so in the controlled manner we intended”.