Multi-million pound Starbucks shops open in Crayford and Dartford

Two Starbucks stores, including one multi-million development, have opened.

The coffee chains created more than 30 jobs after opening sites in Crayford and Dartford.

The store in Roman Way, Crayford, opened at the former Aldi supermarket site earlier this year, while another opened just 1.9 miles away in Prospect Place, Dartford, at the beginning of the month.

In total, the Crayford café, which was was told could cost up to £2million, has created 16 jobs.

While the Dartford store, which opened next to Costa Coffe in the former Bathstore site, has employed 15 people.

A Starbucks spokesman said: "Opening hours in Crayford Island are 6.30am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 6.30am until 6.30pm on Sunday.

"Opening hours in Prospect Place, Dartford, are 6.30am until 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 7.30am until 6pm, Sunday.”

Applicants for the Crayford site outlined their plans to make the coffee shop - found near KFC - "comfortable and inviting" to the public.

It was described as having good transport links and has retained the previous Aldi supermarket car parking spaces.

When questioned about the development in September, one resident from the town was not happy about the idea.

"We don't need another generic coffee shop in Dartford," they said.

"Starbucks' corporate tax history should be taken into account and not allowed to move in.

"It is next to Costa which has served Dartford well over the last few years.

"Dartford is not big enough for that many coffee shops.

"If anything, a current long-standing shop should be allowed to expand or use the space. I hope this application is rejected."