The Isle of Sheppey's first branch of Starbucks has opened, creating 12 jobs.

The coffee giant opened a drive-thru with seats inside and out at the Neats Court retail park in Queenborough this morning.

The shop, operated by Sussex-based Starbucks franchisee Cobra Coffee, also has a meeting room that can be booked for conferences or birthday parties.

Elizabeth Bone, area manager for Kent, said the first day had been a success.

“It has been really busy and it’s really exciting, more so because it’s our company’s first drive-thru branch and we’ve had lots of great feedback already.”

She added: “I don’t think the people of Sheppey had anything like this before.

"Many customers have asked where we have been, saying they’ve been driving to Sittingbourne but now they don’t have to.”

The Starbucks is between Morrisons and The Five Bridges pub and will open Monday to Friday, 5.30am - 8pm, Saturday from 6.30am - 8pm and Sunday from 8am to 6.30pm.

Neats Court’s eagerly-awaited Burger King was due to start trading this week too but the opening has been delayed.

The branch, another Sheppey first, will also feature a drive-thru.

Costa Coffee and Subway are due to fill the other units.

Costa is to open on Saturday, September 2 but there is no date for Subway’s opening.