Another Pret in the City Centre, so yes, I have experienced better.
Located just across from House of Fraser, I was heading to the Cross Street branch anyway, so thought I would pop in here instead - when there are so many popping up, it's good to know which is the one worth heading to.
One door was locked, creating a bottle neck for people coming and going. Luckily we're British and don't say anything, but I was already feeling slightly on edge with this entrance. Inside is very much the same as the other Prets; metal floor, light wooden seating (seems to be plenty of it) and a counter at the far end.
The selection is fairly large, including their new mac&cheese, and seemed well stocked. I went for a halloumi & red pepper toastie, a staple of my Friday lunches, and headed to the counter. Everything was taken with a bit of small talk from my server, but there's a real lack of energy and efficiency in this branch. When stood at the till, the (I assume) manager was demonstrating to another server how to correctly display the cookies. I was only there for a short period, and it wasn't exactly rammed, but he should really be spending more time behind the counter than in front of it, especially during lunch time.
An easy option but I think they'll have to work hard to please the fast-paced professionals of Deansgate. read more