The first customer at the south east's first Greggs drive-thru arrived on foot.

At 6.10am, Chris, a 39-year-old who works at the nearby BSB Engineering Services Ltd, left with a sausage, bean and cheese melt in hand.

He said: “It was lovely and clean inside.

“The staff were friendly and the service was really quick.

“I always bring lunch to work but in the future I’m sure I’ll pop along in the mornings.”

The takeaway bakery, in the former Regis Medical Centre in Milton Regis near Sittingbourne, opened at 6am.

Plans were submitted for the Saffron Way eatery in August 2021, and it was expected to open in autumn 2022.

However, the opening date was pushed back in November without explanation.

The drive-thru has created 15 jobs and will stock Greggs favourites, including its sausage roll and steak bake and vegan alternatives.

Ashton Clarke-Smith, 21, and Adam Bradley, 40, were the third people to use the drive-thru today.

Adam, who works for Rae Property Services Ltd, said: “We ordered some croissants and a sausage, cheese and bean melt.

“The drive-thru was lovely and as we live nearby we’ll be coming here before we go to work.”

At 7am Robert and Darren, who also work at BSB Engineering, popped over on foot to buy a bacon roll each.

Robert said: “It’s lovely and clean.

“I was also quite surprised with how much seating there was available inside and outside especially considering as it’s a drive-thru.”

Darren added: “it’s a good location too. It’s by the park so parents can buy there kids a sausage roll before they get there.”

Alongisde the bakery, two buildings have been constructed at the site, advertised as suitable for two smaller takeaway businesses.

A spokesman for Swale council said: "Unit one at the front of the property is the drive-thru unit, and at the rear of the site, another building is being constructed, which will contain two smaller takeaway units."

Those looking to grab a bite on-the-move will be able to make Click + Collect orders at the new venue via the Greggs App.

The Sittingbourne drive-thru, which also offers inside seating, will be open from 6am to 7pm daily.

Shop manager, Awatef Wady, said: “We can’t wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand-new drive-thru.

"We’ve got an amazing range of tasty bakes, hot drinks, sweet treats and savouries available for takeaway or Click + Collect.”

However, the new drive-thru has sparked mixed reactions in the town.

Amy Remmington, 31 and from Sittingbourne, said: “We don’t need more fast food in the town.

“The area could’ve been used for something better like a park or green space for children.

“We’ve got enough fast food places in Sittingbourne, it is just round the corner from the McDonald’s and KFC drive-thrus too.”

Her mum, Chris Remmington, from Rainham, agreed.

The 60-year-old said: “If it was on brownfield land then maybe it could’ve been turned into something like a skate park instead of a drive-thru.”

It isn't all negative though, the development includes a new car park for Milton Creek Country Park – an ambition held for 30 years.

Park ranger Kristian Staples previously said: “When it was originally built an area was set aside.

“Since Greggs have bought the land for their new drive-thru and agreed to build an access road to the country park, an area with 60 spaces will be available to the public."

The drive-thru will also include a Nuttall Unit so customers can purchase hot items such as southern fried chicken goujons and potato wedges.

Gillian Long, retail operations director for Greggs, said: “Our new drive-thru in Sittingbourne has bought 15 new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their favourite Greggs food.”