Pret A Manger has confirmed it will open a shop on Harrogate’s James Street “very soon”.
The Stray Ferret revealed in January the sandwich shop franchise planned to open in what was at the time Messums Yorkshire, a gallery curated by artist Johnny Messum. The gallery is now closed.
Pret has now confirmed a store, creating 15 jobs, is expected to welcome customers by late spring.
Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret, said:
“We’re excited to be expanding our footprint in Yorkshire as part of our wider ambition to bring Pret to more people.
“Harrogate is a beautiful and historic town, bustling with tourists and a thriving community. We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike into our new shop, very soon”.
Pret currently has more than 450 shops in the UK, with the majority in London.
This will be the first Pret in the Harrogate district. It will sell hot drinks, sandwich and grab and go menu.
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Pret will will become the latest in a significant number of new arrivals on James Street over the past few months.
Tom Limbert, director of property consultants Central Retail, which acted for the landlord, said:
“It’s great to finally bring Pret A Manger to Harrogate. They have looked at the town on and off for a number of years but it shows national occupiers still have belief in the town.”
In partnership with The Pret Foundation, the company is also looking for local charities to donate surplus food to at the end of each day. Those interested can contact the foundation on Pret.FoundationUK@pret.com.
Pret A Manger set to arrive in Harrogate
The Harrogate district’s first Pret A Manger looks set to open.
The Stray Ferret understands the sandwich shop franchise will open on Harrogate’s James Street in the unit currently occupied by Messums Yorkshire, a gallery curated by artist Johnny Messum.
It is not yet known precisely when Pret will open but it is believed to be some time in March.
Besides sandwiches, Pret is also known for coffee so its arrival will add to the wide range of options available for caffeine fans.
The landlord of the unit was not available for comment but a well placed source told the Stray Ferret that Pret would be arriving soon.
Photograph: @messumsyorkshire, Instagram
Read more:
- Shops that opened and closed in 2021
- Harrogate Tap and Taco bar closes pop-up with sights set on permanent home
In the last six months, James Street has seen numerous retail units open and close; Hotel Chocolat opened a cafe in October; this was followed by a new yoga studio Ebru Evrim arriving in the former Laura Ashley building. Harrogate Discount Store is due to close this week.
Pret currently has over 450 cafes in England, with 310 of those in London. Currently, the closest to Harrogate is in Leeds.