In the letter, Christou writes: “As a business that relies heavily on the cash generated by our shops, we now find ourselves losing tens of millions of pounds each month and in a position where we do not have sufficient funds to pay the June quarter rent in full.
“In the immediate term, with regards to property costs, we have prioritised the cash we do have available towards the payment of service charges and insurance.”
He added: “It is our intention to make a partial payment for the June rent quarter, commensurate with our trading performance, and as such we plan to pay 30% of the June quarter’s rent.”
A Pret spokesperson said: “Although we are working hard to adapt Pret to the new retail environment, the coronavirus pandemic has massively affected our industry.
"Despite re-opening most of our shops, we are losing tens of millions of pounds each month and are not in a position to pay our June quarter rent in full. We are working with our landlords to find the best way forward.”
