Pret A Manger launches first children's menu

Pret A Manger has launched its first children's menu with the aim of bringing more families into its cafes across the country.

Designed to target children aged four to ten, it will roll out from today in 70% of Pret's 460 UK shops.

The range is set to expand to more sites throughout the year with additional snacks and treats tested by children along the way.

The new menu includes Kids' Ham Triangle Sandwiches made with the same Wiltshire cured ham as Pret's Ham and Greve Baguette, but with thinner slices, while Pret's Hummus and Cucumber pot has been specifically redesigned with a separate pot following feedback from a kids' tasting panel.

Other products in the range include Kids' Cheese Triangle sandwiches; Kids' Chicken & Cucumber Triangle sandwiches; a Kids' Pizza Toastie; and a Kids' Mango & Banana Yoghurt Pot.

Packaging has been designed with hand-drawn illustrations and children can get a free babycino with their meal.

Prices of the new menu items were not shared in an announcement to the press.

The launch follows a shift in Pret's focus since the pandemic which has seen it close sites in its traditional commuter hubs in London and expand outside the capital with franchise partners.

Recent sites have opened in Bishop's Stortford, Colchester and Worthing and the company said it was seeing strong trading in Yorkshire and Manchester.

Clare Clough, UK & Ireland managing director at Pret, said: "Launching Pret's first full kids' range has long been a personal ambition and we've worked closely with our food development team, franchise partners and even our extended Pret family to create a menu we're proud of, using the same high-quality ingredients found in several Pret classics that kids will love.

"It's a major milestone within our transformation journey to bring Pret to a more diverse customer-base across the country, from office workers to entire families and everyone in between.

"We felt it was the right time to expand our menu offer as we continue to focus our growth outside of London. We can't wait to hear the feedback and are excited to create a new role for Pret within the lives of customers.''

Pret launched in London in 1986 and operates nearly 700 shops worldwide.