It's been one of the most familiar faces on Kent's high streets over recent years, and now Costa is to split away from its parent company Whitbread.

The coffee shop, which has over 2,400 outlets across the country, including dozens across the county, will be demerged from its parent company "as fast as practical and appropriate to optimise value for shareholders".

The move comes following pressure from investors who have wanted to see Whitbread split into its two key market leaders - Costa and budget hotel chain Premier Inn.

When the process is complete, thought to be within two years, it will see Costa as a separately listed company.

Alison Brittain, Whitbread chief executive, said: "I am excited that at the point of separation, both businesses will be able to take advantage of the structural growth opportunities available to them in the UK and internationally.

"Costa will become a listed entity in its own right and the clear market leader in the out-of-home coffee market in the UK. Costa will also be well positioned to build further on its strong international foundations with growth expected in China and Costa Express.

"Whitbread will remain the owner and operator of the UK's most successful hotel business. A key priority will be continuing the development of Premier Inn by creating a business of scale in Germany to replicate the success we've had in the UK."

Costa has benefited in recent years from the nation's embracing of coffee shop culture, and a change in the make-up of our high streets, which has seen barely any Kent town centre without a Costa outlet.