Family and I stumbled upon this gem after being shut out at Gaucho (well we didn't have a reservation and would have to wait 2-3 hours).
First off, this was a Thursday evening (9/26/13) and it wasn't crowded at all which given its location right in the midst of all these business high rises screamed this was more of a lunch time location for crowds. Great when you have two little ones (almost 4 years old) with you. Service was fine and location clean and tidy.
I had the spicy (was really a hint) Wild Crayfish and Rocket (arugula) sandwich. Wow, what a treat. It probably does help that I love crayfish but it tasted delicious, fresh of high quality ingredients. Partner had a salad (forgot exactly which) but she said it was delicious and exactly what she craved and that she knew looking at this place (we're visiting from Los Angeles, CA, USA) that it was going to be good quality, great tasting and healthy fare. She was right! Had some edamame which was satisfactory (fine given it was cold as opposed to piping hot when served in a sushi restaurant).
Kids fared less well although our little boy did eat the ham, Classic Ham and Eggs Blomer very well and said he liked it. Our little girl didn't like it, so tried the egg salad sandwich and she also didn't like that which I tasted and thought was okay but maybe just a little bland. My partner also tasted the egg salad but thought it tasted fine. The gingerbread cookies were a hit and treat tonight!
I found it funny Amanda D.s comment that "there is not much to distinguish" each location of this chain of take away and felt it more like a McDonalds in that regard. I think the one nice thing about a chain restaurant is that the food is indeed consistent and if it is winning fare, then you know what you are getting, in a consistent quality and taste department. Pret a Manger offers a much higher quality fare than McDonalds and I found it amazing that there are so many in London (literally dozens when I tried looking up this location to do this review) which speaks volumes to the consistent quality and taste Londoners come to expect when dining there. If there were something to distinguish them from a food standpoint, then each visit would be more like an adventure which could be high risk if you didn't like what you ate and that I believe is not the intention of this restaurant chain.
It was so good I'd love to see this chain make it to the states as I wouldn't hesitate to dine there again! read more