A company first established in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I is to open its first UK store outside London in the county.

Fine food retailer the East India Company is set to open in Bluewater on Monday, October 7.

The brand opened its first UK store in London’s Mayfair in 2010, selling products which have become quintessentially British.

The new 450 sq ft store will stock fine teas and coffees, biscuits, chocolate, nuts, jams, marmalades and mustards.

When the company was given a royal charter in 1600, merchants would sail from London and pass Bluewater’s base at Greenhithe on their way to the East, before returning with herbs and spices, teas, coffees, chocolates and fruits.

Vice president of operations Manan Bhansali said: “Bluewater is a wonderful shopping destination and we are looking forward to sharing our high quality teas, coffees and fine foods with customers.

“We felt drawn to this location for our first store opening outside of London because of the deep connection that Kent has with our history.”