Pret
A One-of-a-kind
Pret Experience
Bicester Village is known for its distinctive mix of luxury brands and high visitor numbers. Pret wanted a store here that stood apart from their standard format – one that reflected the premium context of the Village while staying true to their ethos of freshly made food and organic coffee.
The Challenge
This was one of Pret’s busiest locations, with a broad customer base and long dwell times. The existing layout left parts of the store underused and the entrance lacked impact. Pret asked us to rethink the space to optimise seating, improve flow and create a warmer first impression. Sustainability was also key – the design needed to reduce energy use and prioritise responsible materials.
Our Response
We began by re-imagining the arrival experience. A double-height entrance space was transformed with timber cladding and bespoke feature lighting to draw customers in. We introduced angled illuminated signage to improve navigation, making chilled products easier to find.
Seating was carefully zoned to match customer behaviour:
- Front zone: quick-turnover tables and stools for shorter visits.
- Conservatory: booth seating with a softer evening feel, defined by timber beams and feature lighting.
- Rear of store: circular booths, banquettes and sofas for longer stays and larger groups.
Lighting and material choices helped anchor each zone and express Pret’s playful character.
Sustainability
From the outset, Pret wanted this project to set new standards for their stores. We upgraded insulation and air conditioning to improve efficiency and retrofitted all lighting with low-energy lamps. Timbers were FSC-certified, paints were low-VOC, and seating fabrics were woven from recycled yarns made of waste plastic. Existing furniture was reused wherever possible, and new systems were introduced to reduce energy consumption after hours.
The Outcome
The Bicester Village store is a new kind of Pret: rooted in the brand’s identity but tailored to its unique setting. It offers more choice, more comfort and a design that performs better for both people and planet.
