Global pretzel chain opens first UK rail store

It's at Brighton station

ovia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, has welcomed the popular pretzel chain, Auntie Anne’s, to Brighton station – which is the global brand’s first venture into railway station trading.

To celebrate the business officially opening at the south coast station, Auntie Anne’s colleagues gathered for a giant pretzel pulling ceremony on Tuesday 22 October, with the American chain serving more than 200 enthusiastic customers during its launch event.

To help drum up excitement for the new store, the “world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel brand” gave away free pretzels to its first 100 guests. Auntie Anne’s mascot, Mr Twisty, also made a special appearance to promote the new shop to travellers.

The Brighton business joins a wave of new lettings across the GTR network, which the rail operator sees as a sign of strong recovery in local economies following the effects of the pandemic. With around 350 retail units in total at the stations it manages, GTR now has over 70 tenancy agreements in progress, more than were completed in the whole of last year. Many units that have been vacant for two years or more, and some since before the pandemic, are now being let to confident traders.

Head of Stations at Govia Thameslink Railway, Stephen MacCallaugh, said: “It was fantastic to see business was booming for Auntie Anne’s on its opening day and the Brighton community has welcomed this new store with open arms. It’s brilliant that retail businesses are continuing to invest in our stations after such a difficult period, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Auntie Anne’s.”

Max Burton, Managing Director for Auntie Anne’s UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Auntie Anne’s to Brighton railway station, offering delicious, fresh snacks on the go. This move reflects our commitment to being where our customers are, the first of many steps as we explore new opportunities in travel hubs across the UK and Ireland.”

The store is located in unit 8 at Brighton station, BN1 3XP.