Angry coffee drinkers believe they are being unfairly taxed for living in Whitstable – after it was discovered they pay up to 40p more for their caffeine fix from Starbucks.

Almost all drink prices at the new Thanet Way branch cost more than those at the Starbucks in Ashford town centre.

Regulars at the Whitstable store, which opened last month, need to cough up £3.50 to buy a large cappuccino compared to just £3.10 at Ashford – less than 20 miles away.

Dominic Potts, a 42-year-old life coach, thinks the price comparisons are ridiculous.

“It’s absolutely outrageous,” he said. “Why should we have to pay the price for living in a particular part of Kent.

“It’s not like Ashford is a million miles away so I see no reasoning for it, especially as this is a new branch that needs regular customers.”

Mr Potts, who lives in Tankerton, uses the new Whitstable branch regularly.

“I didn’t know about this price difference before as I don’t go to Ashford, but it’s downright stupid.

“We are paying more for the exact same product – the coffee beans are all the same and you get the same service.

“I like to treat myself to a flat white at the Thanet Way branch but I’m paying 25p more than the standard price.”

“Still, I’ll carry on using Starbucks but I’m less appreciative of the company now.”

There is a 35p price gap in large americanos and a 40p difference between caffe latte prices. There is a smaller jump of 25p in espresso prices and piccinos are £2.45 in both towns.

Janice Crane, 55, believes the changes are a punishment on the middle-class in Whitstable.

She said: “It’s a tax on middle-class DFLs (down from London).

“It seems that as Whitstable is regarded as a posher place, we deserve to pay more money. I think that is wrong.”

When approached by KentOnline, Starbucks defended the price changes – putting it down to varying local competition.

Spokesman Lauren Hill, said: “Like all retailers, we work with franchise and licence partners who set their own prices under competition law.

“We remain committed to providing great value with 100% Arabica and ethically-sourced coffee for all customers.”