American burger joint Five Guys welcomed its first customers at Ashford Designer Outlet this morning.

The fast food chain, known for its burgers, hot dogs and French fries, opened in the new Food Piazza at 11am - months after bosses first announced plans to open at the centre.

The new 4,500 sq ft restaurant is the 96th to open in the UK and the fourth in the county, as there are Five Guys restaurants in Maidstone, Canterbury and Bluewater.

Thirty six people have been employed at the new restaurant.

Five Guys offer customers the chance to customise their orders, with over 250,000 possible topping combinations.

Burgers are handcrafted and grilled to order and French fries are hand cut each morning and cooked in peanut oil.

Despite previously being banned from entering the centre's £90 million shopping centre expansion, Ashford Borough Council allowed the burger chain to move in as they had no desire to open elsewhere in the town.

It will be open from 11am to 7pm seven days a week.

Sportswear brand Under Armour also opened in the multi-million pound Designer Outlet extension today.

Peter Corr, centre manger at Ashford's Designer Outlet, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Five Guys which opened its doors at Ashford Designer Outlet today, as part of our much anticipated centre expansion.

"The brand has a significant following thanks to its amazing food offering and we are thrilled to be able to invite our guests to enjoy another world-famous restaurant, which we’re confident will quickly become a must-visit destination.

"In addition to Five Guys, innovative sports brand Under Armour has also opened its doors on the same day, which is another brilliant addition to the centre.”

Paul Hamilton, head of brand at Five Guys added: “The Five Guys crew look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy fresh, quality and fully customisable burgers and fries in our 96th store, located at the famous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford."

So far, YO! Sushi, Pret A Manger, Zwilling, Paul Costello and Lost Sheep Coffee have all started operating in the newly-constructed extension, which is set to add 50 units to the site.

The Garden of England themed playground - which cost £400,000 - opened in May.

Last month, the opening of Krispy Kreme's American-style trailer attracted large queues.

The majority of new brands are set to open on Thursday, October 3 and the extension will be fully open early November.

For more news on big brands and good places to enjoy a tasty bite, head to our Eat, Drink, Shop section

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford