About Time: You Visited the New Veggie Pret in ShoreditchBy Angelica Malin
Stop the press. Pret A Manger has opened the doors to its second vegetarian-only shop in Shoreditch, East London. We went down yesterday, and we’ll tell you this – you’re all in for a ruddy (meat-free) treat.
The 411: The opening follows the success of the first Veggie Pret, which initially opened on Broadwick Street, Soho last June as a pop-up, but was later turned into a permanent fixture following customer demand.
Eat and Drink: As well as featuring a selection of favourites from the first Veggie Pret, both Shoreditch and Soho shops will today launch over 20 new recipes, 16 of which are exclusive to them, including: a vegan take on Pret’s popular macaroni cheese; a vegan brownie, filled with gooey, dairy-free salted caramel (we ate three, and they are as good as they sound); a breakfast bowl of blended green smoothie, granola, mango and pomegranate; and coconut and almond milk coffees.
Can’t get down to the new Veggie Pret? No Sweat – the team has also launched seven colourful veggie and vegan options across all of its UK shops today, as well as announcing that all of its monthly Chef’s Specials will be veggie or vegan until September.
What: Vegan Chocolate Brownie (£2.50, vegan)
The Lowdown: A rich, chocolately brownie, with a dairy-free salted caramel filling. Available from Pret’s till counter, this brownie is made with rice flour and dark chocolate to give it its fudgy texture.
What: Green Smoothie Breakfast Bowl (£2.99, vegan)
The Lowdown: A green smoothie, made with blended avocado, banana, spinach, lemon juice, apple juice and a little ginger, is layered between gluten-free granola and chunks of mango and pomegranate seeds.
What: Dairy-Free Chocolate Chia Pot (£2.25, vegan)
The Lowdown: A rich and creamy dairy-free pot combining soaked chia seeds, coconut yoghurt and a dark chocolate sauce topped with fresh blueberries and pomegranate.
What: Avo & Chipotle Chickpeas Hot Wrap (£4.25, veggie)
The Lowdown: Smoky chipotle chickpeas, creamy avocado, chipotle ketchup mixed with a dollop of mayo, red peppers, crispy onions and slices of Greve cheese, all baked in a kibbled rye wrap.
What: Grilled Artichoke & Olive Tapenade Flat Bread (£3.75, vegan)
The Lowdown: Grilled artichokes with rich kalamata olive tapenade, humous, tomato and slices of red pepper in a soft flat bread. Finished with a handful of rocket and whole-leaf basil.
What: Crunchy Veggie Banh Mi Baguette (£3.45, vegan)
The Lowdown: A colourful, crunchy vegan baguette with cucumber, carrot ribbons, red pepper, pickled cabbage & carrot. Served with sesame sauce and topped with fresh coriander and sesame seeds. Also available as a Chef’s Special in all UK Prets from 4th April until 1st May.
What: Spicy Butternut & Pistachio Wrap (£3.25, veggie)
The Lowdown: Roasted butternut squash with crunchy pistachios, cucumber, spinach, chipotle ketchup and cool raita with chopped mint, in a fresh tortilla wrap.
What: Super Beans & Red Pepper Veggie Pot (£2.49, vegan)
The Lowdown: A little pot bursting with bright ingredients, including fava beans, yellow split peas, roasted butternut squash and pomegranate seeds. Finished with roasted red pepper and a handful of rocket, parsley and mixed seeds.
What: Poached Egg & Avocado Protein Pot (£2.49, veggie)
The Lowdown: A runny poached egg inside a halved avocado, with spinach leaves, seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice.
What: Organic Kombucha (£2.95, vegan)
The Lowdown: A delicately fermented green tea, brewed using a natural culture. Pret’s Kombucha has a delicate fizz and a touch of lemon and ginger. Served from the ‘tap’ by Pret’s baristas.
What: Matcha Coconut Latte (£2.75, vegan)
The Lowdown: A finely ground green tea with a grassy taste and a touch of sweetness, served with steamed coconut milk.
