Pret a Manger closes outlet at A1 Newark Welcome Break, near Fernwood, with supermarket set to replace it

A popular national sandwich chain has closed it’s Newark outlet, with a supermarket set to take over the space.

Welcome Break has confirmed the Pret a Manger outlet at it’s A1 services near Fernwood has closed, which served a variety of sandwiches, salads, and hot and cold drinks.

The outlet opened as part of the new service station in March 2023, alongside a Burger King, Greggs, Budgens and Starbucks at the same site.

It is set to replaced by a Little Waitrose store, which will stock a variety of ready meals, the brand’s lunchtime meal deal, vegan options and other groceries.

The service station chain said in a statement: “We have closed the Pret unit at our Newark site and are excited to be opening a Little Waitrose store in the near future, to offer customers more choice on their travels.

“Welcome Break has been in partnership with Waitrose since 2009 and at present trades Little Waitrose from 28 of our service areas.

“Customers will be able to choose from hundreds of Waitrose items, including the recently revamped premium range Waitrose No. 1 and Essential Waitrose — the biggest value tier of any supermarket. In addition, Waitrose Duchy Organic, fresh ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, the lunchtime meal deal and John Lewis gifts will be available.

“We are delighted to continue partnering with Pret and offer the beloved international food and coffee brand in another six Welcome Break sites (Rotherham, Warwick South, Fleet North and South, Birchanger Green and South Mimms). Welcome Break has plans to open a seventh store later this year.”