Bakery chain Greggs has opened its latest Kent branch in a popular shopping centre.

Earlier this year, the bakery chain announced that the store would open at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham.

This morning the shopping centre confirmed the beloved bakery has opened its doors, in the site of the former Carphone Warehouse, opposite Poundland.

Fans of the British bakery are now able to visit the Gillingham branch for their sausage roll fix, as this joins its other Medway locations at Rainham Shopping Centre, Gillingham High Street, and Chatham's High Street and Pentagon Shopping Centre.

The store, which has created 16 new jobs for the area, will be open from 7.30am until 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 8.30am until 4pm on Sundays.

The branch has comfortable seating and features the usual fan favourites, including the Steak Bake, Pumpkin Spice Latte and Southern Fried Chicken Goujons.

It will also stock the new Autumn menu, which offers the Roast Chicken & Stuffing Baguette, the Vegan Bean and CheeZe Toastie, and the Vegan Southern Fried Chicken Baguette.

Customers will also be able to make Click + Collect orders via the Greggs app. Those who sign up to the app can get a free hot drink, and anyone who signs up before January 2, 2023 can also claim a free bake.

Shop Manager Daniel Cadruvi said: “We can’t wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand-new shop. We’ve got an amazing range of tasty bakes, hot drinks, sweet treats and savouries available for takeaway or Click + Collect.”

Gillian Long, Retail Operations Director for Greggs, said: “Our new shop in Gillingham has brought new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their favourite Greggs food.”

Construction is also well underway for Greggs' first Kent drive-thru in Milton Regis in Swale.

Plans to convert the former Regis Medical Centre in Saffron Way were granted permission last year, although an opening date has not yet been revealed.