The long-awaited M&S Foodhall in Whitstable will open its doors today.

Customers will get their first taste of the new store at 10am following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The next-door Aldi superstore will then open tomorrow.

Located at the new Prospect Retail Park, next to the Estuary View Medical Centre, the M&S store will bring 68 jobs to the area.

The new development will offer free parking and is open from 8am until 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

M&S also boasts a 40-seat cafe with views over the estuary and an in-store bakery.

Jamie Smith, who has worked with the company for more than 10 years, will be store manager.

He said: “Our new store will offer the very best of M&S food, from traditional favourites to seasonal creations – perfect for a weekly shop or weekend treat.”

“The customer will always be at the heart of everything we do and we can’t wait to open our doors and hear their feedback.”

The M&S store will be the middle store of the three, with Aldi being nearest to the Borstall Hill roundabout, and Home Bargains being nearest to the medical centre.

Discount store Home Bargains, which is next to the food hall will open on Saturday, March 4.