A POPULAR coffee shop chain has opened a new café in Braintree with seating for 70 people.

Pret A Manger has opened at Braintree Village shopping centre, opposite the Barbour store.

The shop offers the chain's full menu, including its range of organic coffees and sandwiches, salads and pastries.

The food is all made fresh in the on-site kitchen every morning and throughout the day.

The Braintree Village branch will participate in the company’s initiative by donating all surplus food at the end of the day to local charities supported by the Pret Foundation.

Braintree Village boss Josef O’Sullivan said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our brand offering with the long-awaited opening of Pret A Manger.

“We are confident our guests will love the new addition, and we’re proud to be able to support our local community with donations of surplus food going to those in need.”

Pret A Manger spokesman Guy Meakin said: “We want to bring Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to even more people around the UK, which is why we’re delighted to be opening a new shop in Braintree Village with our franchise partner, Joy Brands.

“We look forward to welcoming guests early this summer, who will be able to enjoy Club Pret at their new local shop.”