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The arrival of sandwich chain Pret A Manger in Brick Lane has sparked claims that one of the most creative neighbourhoods in London is losing its soul.

Opponents claim the opening is a sign of the Shoreditch area’s gentrification and called for the protection of independent businesses. The outlet, on the corner of Bethnal Green Road and the north section of Brick Lane, was formerly the Von Tromp pub, which closed in 1990, and was most recently the Benets of Cambridge ice cream parlour.

Jay Sword, 25, a global account manager, said: “It’s gentrification. I’ve lived here for four years and the area has become more commercial, pushing out smaller independents, which are friendlier. Pret have another branch just 200 metres away. It doesn’t have a soul.”

Lucy Hunt, 32, a TV producer, said: “It shows what’s happening to Shoreditch. It is becoming more mainstream and commercialised, which means prices will go up. Shoreditch will probably be the new Notting Hill. It’s gone from being a bit grungy to very desirable.”

In its planning application, approved by Tower Hamlets council, Pret specified it would not cook food on site and would build a muted black shopfront, instead of its usual maroon livery. Chris Maillard said on Twitter: “The new goth Pret on Brick Lane is rather handsome. Still signifies that the neighbourhood’s f***ed, though.”

Costume maker Wendy Benstead wrote: “There’s a Pret going up on Brick Lane, this is possibly the saddest thing ever.”

Melissa Obika, 23, a social media co-ordinator, said: “I do like the design of the outside, which fits in well to the surroundings. But I don’t think progress should be about taking over all the independent shops.” Curry house owner Azmal Hussain, who opened the first of his four Brick Lane restaurants in 1999, warned that, although there was “no threat from Pret, it’s more passing trade”, the imminent arrival of Crossrail would push more businesses out.

“In the next two or three years, Brick Lane will completely change,” he said. “You can add another 30 per cent to rental costs when Crossrail arrives, how are people going to survive?”

Pret agreed a 15-year lease with an annual £100,000 rent in a deal with Docklands-based freeholder Bruno’s Ltd. It has another branch at the end of Bethnal Green Road. Other chains nearby include a Subway sandwich shop, and a Betfred bookmakers.

A Pret spokeswoman said: “Our design team took a lot of trouble to renovate it and used details such as a traditional glass fascia, gold-leaf detailing on the stone work and timber panelling internally. We feel the result is a confident-looking shop that enhances a busy junction.”

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