Pret A Manger has announced plans to launch its inaugural British drive-through service this spring, with executives suggesting as many as 400 additional sites could follow.

The beloved café brand will allow motorists to collect their preferred beverages or food items without leaving their vehicles when the new outlet opens in May.

The chain will welcome drivers at a site in Cheshire, following the removal of signage from a former Starbucks location at Oakwood Gate services in Birchwood, near Warrington.

This new venture, established in collaboration with fuel station company Motor Fuel Group, marks the company’s inaugural drive-through operation, though additional sites have already been confirmed.

Pano Christou, the company’s chief executive, indicated in September that the business was targeting up to 400 motorway and travel destination venues, positioning this launch as the first of numerous similar outlets.

The business currently operates 60 roadside walk-in branches across Britain, with a further 30 in development, including the upcoming drive-through location.

Shoppers may eventually see hundreds of these convenient travel-oriented branches appearing throughout the nation, enabling the company to challenge established competitors including Starbucks and Costa.

Priding itself on offering food prepared on the premises, Pret established its initial outlet in the capital in 1986 and presently maintains more than 700 branches spanning 21 nations.

Approximately 500 of these are situated in Britain, with roughly half of those positioned within the capital.

The company also operates sites internationally, encompassing locations in America, Canada, continental Europe, Dubai and Singapore.