McDonald’s has revealed the opening date for its latest drive-thru restaurant in Kent.

The fast food giant is set to launch a new branch at Discovery Park in Sandwich in a move that will create 120 jobs.

The site on Montagu Road, close to the existing Starbucks and a petrol station, was previously due to be operated by Leon, a healthy food company.

But the chain, which offers a menu "inspired by the flavours, variety and natural healthiness of the Mediterranean diet", pulled the plug in November last year – despite construction on the branch appearing to be complete.

At that point, it was believed Burger King may have its eyes on the vacant property.

However, it was confirmed this year McDonald’s is set to move in after a planning application was submitted for signs displaying the famous golden arches.

A spokesperson for the chain yesterday told KentOnline the opening date is set to be about October 25.

Gareth Pearson, the firm’s chief operating officer in the UK and Ireland, said: “The pace of change within the restaurant industry is relentless, and the pandemic accelerated this with digital adoption gathering greater pace.

“Our customers rightly expect to have choice in how and where they order and collect their food, and our job is to ensure that every experience is a great one.

“For this to be the case, we know we also have to provide our restaurant teams and delivery partners with the best possible environment to work in.

“We strongly believe we have to continue to invest to grow, and this investment not only addresses how customers are ordering now but provides us with a platform to continue to adapt in the future, whatever that innovation looks like.”

When McDonald’s opens, it will join several offerings that have moved in at the former Pfizer base, including Starbucks and Travelodge.

Earlier this year, Saga confirmed plans to establish a hub at the site after closing down its head office in Folkestone.