
Julian Metcalfe (Itsu and Pret A Manger)
Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast-food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he’s learned.
An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company’s future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around.
Production team:
Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: John Scott
Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison
On radio
Broadcasts
- Sat 26 Jul 2025 19:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sun 27 Jul 2025 12:15ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
Podcast
-
The Bottom Line
The definitive business podcast from the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. Hosted by Evan Davis.