Pret A Manger outlet at Exeter, located between the amenity building's main entrance and the toilet facilities, in a new extension. Pret A Manger opened here in Jan 2022 and was Moto's third Pret, having already opened stores at Cherwell Valley & Rugby. It replaced West Cornwall Pasty and a takeaway Costa. Turning two takeaway units into one means this Pret is quite spacious & provides customer seating, meaning customers of Pret don't have to use the communal seating area. This Pret now also provides a secret short-cut from the main entrance to the toilets. Previously, customers would be directed through the entire amenity building in an "L" shape to access the toilets. Pret's location by the main entrance makes it obvious for all customers at Exeter, giving in a trade advantage. Pret is also a popular high street name, and mostly, motorway services customers gravitate towards facilities they recognise. This Pret sells products for a rapidly inflated price. Pret is fairly expensive on the high street as it is, but due to motorway demand, prices are increased further. Many customers will continue to pay these ridiculous prices, whilst some will choose the similar, but much better value for money, Greggs outlet at Exeter. Pret began its journey on the motorway in 2016, when they opened a store at South Mimms. It was quite popular, but Welcome Break never opened any more. Roadchef then opened a Pret at Chester in Dec 2017, followed by a 2nd at Clacket Lane Westbound in March 2018. Again, these were popular, & much larger than the outlet at South Mimms. Then lockdown occurred in 2020, forcing Roadchef to close their 2 outlets, leaving just one outlet at South Mimms remaining. Moto then began a partnership with Pret in Oct 2020, with a store opening at Cherwell Valley & another opening at their brand new Rugby site in 2021. Since then, Moto has opened many Pret's, largely where space allows. At Hilton Park North, Pret replaced Cotton Traders. Likely following Moto's success with the brand, Welcome Break have added Pret to most of their larger sites. Pret said that their new motorway sites were taking 25% more in sales than their existing high street branches. A contributing factor towards this is the fact that London Prets aren't as popular as they used to be due to more people working from home, since lockdown in 2020/2021. Pret is already popular at major railway stations across the UK, & there have been past efforts to mimic Pret at motorway services. In 2001 Roadchef introduced their own-brand "On-Route", providing takeaway sandwiches & coffees. This Pret at Exeter is brightly decorated, with low-hanging lights & a very open-plan setup with a range of sandwiches visible to passing customers. It sports their theme colours of pink, maroon & black. Pret is only open from 7am-7pm (except Fridays 7am-8pm). The closest alternative during the night would be Costa. Pret is a very good idea for motorway services. Back in the 60s and 70s, when motorway services were made up of waited, luxurious restaurants, there were often healthy alternatives on the menu. Then these restaurants gradually became fast food units & coffee shops, none of which provided customers healthy meal options. Pret acts as a healthier food option, providing customers salads & fresh sandwiches. This is a refreshing change for Moto and Welcome Break. Pret was very quiet during my visit, with the few customers of the store not being in shot. My visit was made during the night, & the entire site was quiet. In the morning & at midday, this Pret is likely much busier. Pret is signposted from both directions of the M5, so customers stopping at Exeter are aware of this facility. Pret is also advertised at several points around the site.

Photo taken on 22/12/2023 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Exeter, M5, Moto, Pret A Manger