Motorists will shortly have the chance to pick up a swift snack and a hot drink as a high street coffee chain ventures into the realm of UK drive-thrus. Pret A Manger is poised to unveil its first-ever drive-thru this May. The location has been disclosed by one of our sister titles after leaflets were spotted by residents.

The Sun has today reported there are plans for numerous similar sites as well. This follows CEO Pano Christou telling the Times Pret could open 300 to 400 new travel locations - some of which could be drive-thrus. "We are exploring it," he said at the time. "Because we think our offer [of fresh products] is so different to everyone else."

One such site is now reportedly close to launching. According to the MEN, the first drive-thru Pret A Manger in the UK is due to open in Cheshire this spring - and it will mean more competition for Costa and Starbucks in the UK drive-thru market.

Signs Pret A Manger first drive-thru will open imminently

Adverts and leaflets have been seen at the former Starbucks cafe at Oakwood Gate services in Birchwood, on the outskirts of Warrington, announcing the forthcoming opening, the MEN says. This is likely to be merely the start, as Pret CEO Pano Christou disclosed to the Sunday Times last November that the brand intends to expand further with additional outlets at motorway services and airports, as well as drive-thrus, reports the Mirror.

That Times report said at the time that a "handful of drive-thru locations are in the works". The Sun reports that the new venture is being launched in partnership with major petrol station operator, Motor Fuel Group. Pret currently runs approximately 500 shops in the UK (around 250 in London) and roughly 700 worldwide across 21 markets. Pret employs about 6,100 Team Members, Baristas and Shop Managers in the UK and around 12,500 globally.

In partnership with The Pret Foundation, Pret pledges to donate surplus food at the end of each day to local charities. Last year, Pret unveiled a new shop format with plans to introduce more spacious, family-friendly environments offering bespoke food and drink service designed for extended, relaxed visits.

The new format was launched in Broughty Ferry and Maidenhead in June 2025. Pret stated at the time it was trialling the format as it continues to expand beyond London and "adapt the brand to suit different working patterns and lifestyles".

At that time, Clare Clough, Pret's Managing Director for UK and Europe, said: "Throughout the past five years, we've made it a priority to bring Pret to more people, whether you're a City worker commuting to the office, a parent juggling work and family life, or someone catching up with friends.

"Now, we're taking that further, making Pret a destination for customers in a bit less of a rush who want a comfortable space to enjoy delicious food and spend time with family and friends. Our teams have been hard at work making sure everything from the shop design to the unique menu items have been carefully thought through and we can't wait to see how our customers respond."

We reported earlier this week that the first of three new motorway branches has also opened in the Rownham service station on the M27 (Westbound) in Hampshire. A new cafe will also open in Stafford on the M6 (Southbound) on Monday, March 23. A new site will then open in the Chester area on the M56 on Wednesday, March 25.