A major international coffee chain is due to open at Ashford Designer Outlet later this year.

Starbucks Coffee will be opening a store at the centre, which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound renovation.

The centre is currently advertising for baristas at the store.

The Careers section of the website says: "HMSHost UK are really excited to be opening a brand new Starbucks Store in Ashford Designer outlet later this year – and we would love to have you join our team!"

HMSHost UK is a global food-service company, best known for airport branches of well-known brands.

The Ashford Designer Outlet, in Kimberley Way, is currently undergoing a £90million expansion - which will see it add 50 more stores, more restaurants and a community area to its offer.

It is an exciting time at the Designer Outlet, which recently opened its world class children's play area.

The £400,000 Garden-of-England themed playground features seven-metre high Robinia tree house - one of the UK’s tallest of its kind - a slide, climbing frames and see-saws.

Another coffee shop, Pret, also opened at the mall recently, as did Japanese restaurant YO! Sushi. Five Guys is also due to open.

Outlet bosses say once the extension is complete in the autumn, 500 new jobs will be created.

The centre will also play host to Europe’s largest living wall - the £1.5m plant installation will become the centrepiece of the centre’s expansion.

Leader of Ashford Borough Council Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) said: "I’m delighted to see that another of the Council’s Big 8 projects is approaching completion.

"Like Ashford College, the Elwick Place cinema and leisure complex, and the first phase of the Commercial Quarter, the Designer Outlet expansion is set to play a major part in helping to transform the fortunes of the area."

But the American coffee franchise is remaining tight-lipped about the new store. A spokesman said: “We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no news to share about specific plans in the area”.

Ashford Designer Outlet has been approached for further comment.

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