A bakery empire is set to open its first standalone store in a seaside town centre.

It can be revealed that Greggs, which has more than 2,600 stores across the country, has plans to open in Deal High Street.

The UK's largest bakery franchise, which had more than £2 billion in revenue last year, submitted the proposals for the former NatWest bank building.

The building has been empty since the bank quit the town in July 2023 after the number of visitors fell by 64%.

Greggs already has an outlet in the Deal Service Station in A258 London Road.

But the firm will face stiff competition with Al's Bakery, already established in the High Street.

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Greggs has been contacted for further information.