UP-MARKET bakery Pret a Manger has opened its new store in Chester’s Northgate Street.

The shop, in the former Black’s outdoor store premises, is the latest stylish retailer to locate in the street.

The Pret a Manger store was opened by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Chester, Neil and Kathie Ritchie to the cries of town crier David Mitchell.

The shop, which prides itself on creating handmade, natural food, has seating for 65 people inside with 12 seats on the cobbled walkway.

A section of glass floor allows customers to see the original Roman pillars in the basement.

Pret employs 14 local residents with three joining from other Pret shops in London and Cheshire Oaks.

There are no ‘use by’ dates on sandwiches, salads and wraps as they’re not kept overnight. Instead all unsold sandwiches will be donated to local charity Chester Aid to the Homeless at the end of each day.

General manager Sarah Tallis said: “I am really excited about introducing our delicious range of fresh food to customers in Chester.”