The brainwash is real. - Barista Pret A Manger Employee Review

2.0
29 Sept 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Better salary than McDonalds or Costa as long as you keep your fake smile up - Interiors look pretty - Monthly Pret Party - Highly Predictable mystery shopper (free bonus) - There are many career paths you can take if you decide to stay for * 50% discount on food

Cons

- Staff with more experience cuts corners on Sanitary rules because otherwise it is impossible to finish your batch on time. - The coffee calling system is broken. During busy times it is nearly impossible to keep up with the orders without hating everyone around you. - after finishing your job at 1am be ready for your 7am shift - stay longer than your shift requires, because your lazy team leader can not close the shop on time - managers/team leaders are not properly trained when it comes to simple communication. Especially towards female staff members. (A lot of people cry in the staff room especially in their entry period) - false advertising regarding lunch allowance (many companies fe. Subway give free food for your break but Pret still advertises itself as the only one) - this applies to every fast-food chain (no it is not a restaurant) but if you have seen the film "Compliance" then you know what type of person you will become if you stay there for longer.

Explore other reviews about Pret A Manger

5.0
9 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great job with good lunches

Cons

Dealing with customers are hard

1.0
26 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My experience working at Pret A Manger as a Team Leader was extremely stressful. During the hiring process, I was told I would have at least one weekend day off, but that promise was not kept. The workload was overwhelming. The company frequently operated while short-staffed, and there was constant pressure to work double shifts. The pay did not reflect the level of responsibility expected of a Team Leader. Another issue was the work culture. If you called out sick or needed time off, there was often pressure to come in, even on your scheduled days off. I also did not enjoy the location where I worked, and I did not feel that the company valued or respected its employees.

Cons

You get free food the only good part of working here.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All