Pret A Manger opened its first outlet in Northern Ireland today and Belfast customers got to sample the 2023 Christmas specials.
Situated on Donegall Square West next to Belfast City Hall, the new Pret serves a similar menu to outlet in Dublin, London and beyond. Pret opened four branches in Dublin in the past 18 months and "Belfast has been our strongest Irish opening so far”, according to Ray McNamara.
“The Christmas sandwich and festive baked goods seem exceptionally popular,” noted Mr McNamara, founder of Carebrook Ltd who Pret a Manger have partnered with to open stores in Ireland.
UK Shops and Franchise Director Guy Meakin said the timing was wonderful.“Having the Christmas menu coincide with launching our first shop in Northern Ireland is great as well. It's very rare that you get to launch a new shop and a new product on the same day.” Mr Meakin added.Two customers wandered in with no idea Belfast's first Pret A Manger had opened today. “We just popped inside to escape the rain,” one explained. Another couple who were enjoying a tuna sandwich and a coffee said it was "good to have another option" on the high street."We're quite familiar with Pret, so it's very nice to have one so close now."