Naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham has joined a group of protestors in condemning popular cafe chain Pret A Manger, stating that he will not set foot in any of their locations until they fulfill a promise made eight years ago to improve chicken welfare.
“I am absolutely furious at Pret for breaking their promise to chickens,” said Packham, who led the protest in London on Wednesday 1 July, 2026.
Pret A Manger had committed in 2018 to stop using fast-growing “frankenchicken” breeds by 2026. However, the chain has recently come under fire from animal activist groups Anima and Project Slingshot for extending the deadline to 2032. This has sparked a £1 million public campaign, which has already gathered 40,000 signatures, calling for Pret to honor their original commitment.
Pret has defended themselves, claiming that they are still one of the few businesses committed to phasing out the use of frankenchickens. However, Packham dismisses this as a mere facade, stating, “It’s absolutely unacceptable. When a company is committed to making a change for animals, they don’t wait 14 years to do it.”
The protest, which took place at 152 Waterloo Rd in London, is just one in a series of major actions being taken to hold the popular cafe chain accountable. Packham was joined by a crowd of protestors, as well as a 4-meter animatronic “Frankenwrap” that recently gained over 10 million views on social media after touring Pret cafes in London.
In an interview with Anima, Packham stated, “I’m taking a break from Pret, and I won’t be setting foot in their cafes until they produce a real, credible plan to stop selling frankenchickens, just like they promised to do eight years ago.”
Photos from the protest, as well as interview footage with Packham, are available for media use. For further inquiries, please contact Anima CEO Connor Jackson at +447504580011 or connor.jackson@anima.org.uk.
