Pret A Manger interior

Pret opened its first store in London in 1986

The new branch will open its doors at the end of the summer at South Mimms Services on Junction 23 of the M25 in Hertfordshire, as part of a trial partnership with service station operator Welcome Break.

Pret a Manger CEO, Clive Schlee, said: “This is a new area for the Pret business, and one we’re looking forward to exploring.

“We’ll obviously have our own kitchen on the premises, allowing us to serve motorway customers with fresh, natural food, handmade throughout the day.

“I’m sure this will be well-received by motorway customers.”

The shop’s menu will include Pret’s normal offering of freshly-made sandwiches, salads, wraps and baguettes, as well as organic teas and coffees.

Rod McKie, CEO of Welcome Break, said: 'Welcome Break is very excited about the prospect of working with Pret on the UK motorways.

“I am confident that this trial will be successful and lead to a long term partnership with Pret a Manger.”

The popular food chain, which prepares its products with preservative-free, ethically sourced ingredients, currently has around 400 shops – the majority of which are in the UK.