Pret A Manger opens first drive-thru in Warrington

Pret A Manger opened its first drive-thru restaurant this week in Warrington, Cheshire, marking a new trial format at the BP Oakwood Gate service station in Birchwood, just off Junction 21 of the M6 motorway.

The site, operated in partnership with Motor Fuel Group, caters to motorists traveling across northwest England and local residents. It replaced a former Starbucks unit and spans more than 2,000 square feet, featuring a single vehicle lane with digital menu boards, indoor seating for 48 customers, electric vehicle charging points and customer toilets.

Customers can order from Pret's standard breakfast and lunch menu, including sandwiches, salads, freshly baked croissants, the Pole Line Caught Tuna Baguette, Chefs Italian Chicken Salad, snacks such as the Love Bar and popcorn, plus organic Arabica coffee and other hot and cold drinks like smoothies. Hot drinks come in 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes with various milk alternatives. On opening day May 5, the chain offered giveaways including food items and annual subscriptions to its membership scheme.

The launch supports Pret's strategy to expand beyond high street locations into travel hubs such as airports, stations and motorway...