Pret A Manger has opened its first-ever drive-through location as the chain attempts to take on more established roadside rivals such as McDonald's and Starbucks.

The new 2,000 sq ft outlet near junction 21 of the M6 for Warrington in Cheshire marks the sandwich and coffee shop business's first foray into service stations.

Pret has traditionally focused on high street, airport and rail station locations but is launching the new site in partnership with forecourt operator Motor Fuel Group.

Bosses said the drive-through features a single-lane ordering system with a digital menu alongside indoor seating for up to 48 customers, EV charging and toilets.

The outlet at BP Oakwood Gate service station in Birchwood is being aimed at both local customers and as a stop-off point for motorists travelling across the North West.

The move is also part of efforts to expand beyond London, where it has been popular among commuters - with most recent openings taking place outside the capital.

Data from market research firm Meaningful Vision issued last year found the UK now has 2,681 drive-throughs including 300 added in the previous two years.

The biggest player is McDonald's with more than 1,000 drive-through locations in Britain – well ahead of the likes of KFC, Starbucks, Burger King, Costa and Greggs.

Pret UK and Ireland president Ross Warnes said: 'Travel hubs and roadside locations present a huge growth opportunity for Pret. This is about meeting customers where they are, while continuing to deliver the same freshly made food and service.'

Jack Tindall, Motor Fuel Group's head of food service operations, said: 'We know how much the people of Warrington love great coffee, and we're thrilled to bring Pret's freshly made food and barista-made drinks to them.

'From freshly baked croissants to sandwiches, salads and organic coffee, this new shop offers everything customers love about Pret designed for modern, on the go journeys.

'We're incredibly proud to be part launching this new format for Pret and look forward to serving the Warrington community.'

Pret was founded in London in 1986 by Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham. It was bought by German investor JAB Holdings in 2018 for around £1.5billion.

The chain employs about 6,100 staff in Britain and currently has 500 outlets across the country including 250 in London and 220 in transport hubs.

In June last year, Pret announced it was launching new-format stores with made-to-order food and more dining space as part of its regional expansion efforts.

It said these would be different from most of its London stores, where it primarily sells 'grab-and-go' products with customers typically served in less than a minute.

Pret has a subscription service called 'Club Pret' which gives members 50 per cent off up to five hot or iced barista-made drinks each day, for a fee of £5 per month.