High street coffee chain with more than 500 stores suddenly makes UK closure

A beloved coffee chain boasting more than 500 outlets has permanently shuttered its doors at a bustling UK location. Pret A Manger has ceased trading in Brentwood, Essex, with proposals already underway to transform the busy high street branch, according to documentation filed with the local council.

The paperwork reveals plans for revised signage at the former Pret A Manger site, and should the proposals receive approval, the chain is expected to be transformed into a Hotel Chocolat shop and cafe, The Sun reported. Velvetiser cafes have been emerging throughout Britain in recent months, with this potential venue poised to become another addition to the chocolatier's growing portfolio. The Pret outlet now appears vacant with its entrance sealed and seating stacked away, reports Birmingham Mail.

A notice on the entrance states: "We're now closed. Thank you to our brilliant team and you, our amazing customers, for your support.

"Keep an eye on our social channels and website to learn more about future new openings. Find us on Instagram @pret or visit us at pret.co.uk."

No launch date has been confirmed for the replacement establishment, though it seems the preliminary planning process remains active.

The documentation states: "The proposed signage illustrated on the submitted drawings seek to provide an improved shopfront appearance to allow beneficial conversion of the existing shop to a Hotel Chocolat Shop and Velvetiser Cafe.

"The signage represents a replacement of existing signage.

"The signage has been sensitively designed to reflect the appearance of the host building's shopfront and its position in the context of neighbouring listed buildings and Brentwood Town Centre Conservation Area, and is not considered excessive or obstructive.

"The materials and illumination used are respectful, in keeping with, and complementary to the host building and setting."

A Pret spokesperson said: "Closing a shop is never a decision we take lightly and it has been a pleasure to serve customers our freshly made food and organic coffees in Brentwood.

"While we're sad to be leaving Brentwood, we hope customers continue to visit us in our other shops across Essex."

It is understood there are five additional locations across Essex available for patrons to visit, with Pret continuing its steady expansion throughout the UK.

Pret A Manger boasts more than 500 outlets nationwide. The chain has built its reputation on coffee, sandwiches, salads and soups that customers can grab whilst on the move.