Pret A Manger Ends Popular £30 Subscription Deal in the UK, Introducing New £10 Monthly Plan with Limited Benefits Starting September 2024

Pret A Manger has announced a major shift in its subscription service, Club Pret. The popular deal, which allowed customers to enjoy five barista-made drinks a day for just £30 a month, is coming to an end.

In an email sent to subscribers, the company stated it was time to “rethink how it works.” This offer, which has been available for the past four years, also included a 20% discount on food and drinks.

Starting in September, the subscription will be replaced with a new, simpler offer. For £10 a month, subscribers will receive five half-priced drinks each day, but the 20% discount on food will be removed.

Under the new plan, if you opt for a £3.90 latte five times a week, you’ll end up spending £205 a month compared to the current £30.

Club Pret originally launched in autumn 2020 at £20 a month, aiming to bring people back to the office after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Impact on Your Wallet

Here’s a breakdown of the cost comparison:

– Current £30 Subscription: 20% off food and five drinks a day
– £6 sandwich discounted to £4.80
– £1.75 crisps discounted to £1.40
– 1 x latte FREE
– Total: £6.20 a day

– New £10 Subscription: Five half-priced drinks a day, no discount on food
– £6 sandwich
– £1.75 crisps
– £3.90 latte discounted to £1.95
– Total: £9.70 a day

Subscriber Reactions

The reaction from Club Pret members has been mixed, with many expressing frustration. Some are upset over the elimination of the food discount and feel the new offer doesn’t provide the same value.

One customer noted the savings have decreased from £90 a month to £47, excluding food. Another described the changes as “laughable,” citing a trend of rising costs and decreasing benefits.

Customer Feedback

Several members have voiced their dissatisfaction, with one warning Pret it was making a “huge mistake” and threatening to cancel their subscription if changes weren’t reversed.

Others pointed out a recent instance where a baguette at a London branch cost £7.15 when eaten in-store, compared to £5.95 for takeaway.

Looking Ahead

Despite the backlash, Pret’s UK managing director, Clare Clough, assures that the new deal will still offer “the best value on the high street” and will be more accessible than the previous scheme.

The new subscription will initially cost £5 a month for both new and existing subscribers until March 31, 2025, when it will increase to £10 a month.

Whether these changes will soothe the grumbling customers or drive them away remains to be seen.