Pret under threat - Pot Kettle Black to open in Spinningfields

Pret A Manger's merciless monopoly of the Spinningfields coffee market could soon be over in a flash, as Mark 'The Flash' Flanagan and business partner Jon Wilkin prepare to open a second branch of their award-winning coffee shop, Pot Kettle Black, in the city's financial heartland. 

The Rugby League stars opened the first branch of PKB in Manchester's grade II-listed Barton Arcade in 2014, whilst both playing for St Helens in Merseyside, and have been searching for a second city centre location since winning Manchester's 'best coffee/tea shop' in 2016.

Now they have it, on the ground floor of the No.1 Spinningfields tower in Hardman Square, beneath D&D's rooftop restaurant, 20 Stories, and opposite the soon-to-open Ivy Brasserie on Byrom Street.

Flanagan tells us the new PKB is due to open sometime in August and will serve an 'internationally-inspired brunch menu, homemade artisan bread and pastries from our new bakehouse, and the best coffee in the city'.

He said: “We’ve crafted PKB from the desire to build a company dedicated to the art of brewing the best coffee and cooking vibrant, easy-going food.”

“We are delighted to be opening our second site in the iconic No.1 Spinningfields. This is the first part of our growth strategy planned for next few years in Manchester and beyond."

Rochelle Silverstein, speaking for Spinningfields developer Allied London, said: “PKB are the perfect addition to Spinningfields and No.1. We’re really excited to be supporting another dynamic independent, and one that is so loved in the city centre.

“We’ve worked closely with Mark and Jon to design a laid-back and refined interior; somewhere vibrant and welcoming to enjoy the best coffee in the city.”