If you spend a day in London, there a strong chance you will see several Pret A Mangers. The chain operates like a restaurant but looks more like a coffee shop. It is a place you will find locals popping into for a latte and one of their pre-made sandwiches. Pret A Manger prides themselves on providing healthy and organic food made fresh every day. The eatery started in London in 1983 and has since then expanded to over 350 Prets worldwide. There are over 70 locations in the U.S., but you won’t find any in Florida.
Taylor Torok, student, reaches for one of the freshly made sandwiches at Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger and Starbucks in South Kensington, you can also see a couple of Londoners
carry their morning cup of joe.
Prets are on almost every street in London, but it is not too hard to find a Starbucks nearby either. Londoners love their java and while Starbucks provides an extensive coffee selection, Prets offer organic coffee and fresh food ready to-go. It is no secret that Starbuck’s healthier food is sub-par, and the sandwiches they offer look like they were made a week ago. Starbuck’s pasteries are good by American standards, but they are not near as good as Pret’s pastries.
A selection of pastries offered at Pret A Manger including chocolate and rasin flavors.
A fresh vegan-veggie salad offered at Pret A Manger.
“I like Starbucks better, because I love all their pastry options, and it's part of my morning routine to eat a chocolate croissant and a vanilla bean frap,” said Kayla Tuckerman, study abroad student.
Study abroad student, Taylor Torok, had a different opinion on the chain coffee and sandwich shop.
"I like Pret because everything is so fresh and healthy, plus it's super quick,"
she said.
London native and University of Florida student, Brandon Hord, said he likes Pret better than Starbucks as well.
"Well, I'm not a fan of Starbucks personally so I guess Pret A Manger because I feel like they have a higher quality coffee," Hord said.
Pret also serves hot dishes like soup, macaroni and cheese, and chicken.
Locals enjoying their morning coffee before heading to work in South Kensington.
However, you are the real judge and will have to try out Pret A Manger for yourself to know which is better for sure. Who knows, maybe the U.S. will start opening more Prets in the South, that will be the true test.
