A chain cafe company that opened for the first time in Reading town centre this year looks set to open its second branch.

Black Sheep Coffee opened its first branch at 1-3 Queen Victoria Street in July.

Now, it looks set to takeover the old Pret a Manger unit at 60 Broad Street.

That’s because Black Sheep Coffee has won permission to install its advertising on the unit recently.

Pret a Manger closed down there in Summer 2020.

In full, Black Sheep Coffee has won permission for an illuminated fascia and projecting sign, an external A board, and nine breeze signs for an 18 seat outdoors area, which can only be used if it wins a licence to operate on Broad  Street.

Pret a Manger was allowed its outdoor seating according to Google Map imagery from April 2018. 

Reading Chronicle: Pret a Manger outdoor seating, seen in April 2018. Credit: Google MapsPret a Manger outdoor seating, seen in April 2018. Credit: Google Maps

You can view the successful application by typing reference 221256 into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.

There is a ‘notification of eviction’ placed on the shopfront by ‘Debt Squared’ but it’s not clear which person or business is being evicted.

Reading Chronicle: The notification of eviction by 'Debt Squared' at 60 Broad Street, Reading, the old Pret a Manger unit. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe notification of eviction by 'Debt Squared' at 60 Broad Street, Reading, the old Pret a Manger unit. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The future of the Black Sheep Coffee in Queen Victoria Street is unclear, as landowner Thackeray estates has applied to redevelop the building it occupies.

The Thackeray Estates plan involves modifications and extensions to 1-15 Queen Victoria Street and 145-148 Friar Street to create a courtyard and 104 apart-hotel rooms.

Black Sheep Coffee took over from Caffè Nero in Queen Victoria Street, which is thought to have closed there in 2021.