A famous Canadian restaurant chain has confirmed when it will be opening its first site in south Essex.

Tim Hortons announced earlier this year it would be opening a restaurant at Lakeside in Thurrock.

The restaurant, which will offer the brand’s famous coffee and doughnut range, will be kitted out with a drive-thru.

Bosses say they will be welcoming customers through the door for the first time from 7am on Friday, December 10.

To celebrate the launch, the first customer in the queue will be offered free drinks for a whole year.

The first 100 customers will meanwhile be offered a free breakfast.

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Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer of Tim Hortons in the UK, said: “Our fans have been patiently waiting for us to announce when our doors will open in Thurrock and so I’m delighted to finally be sharing the news.

“This is a huge launch for us as it not only marks our second venue in Essex, but also, our first restaurant easily accessed by those in East London and surrounding areas.

“Our openings continue to get bigger and better, and we’re expecting a number of fans to head to the venue early to try and win one of our launch giveaways.

“Our restaurant team have been training hard to ensure each and every guest has the wonderful experience we are so well known for, and we look forward to welcoming the Thurrock and wider Essex community through our doors from Friday, December 10.”

As well as offering different flavoured doughnuts and hot drinks, the restaurant will offer a limited-edition festive menu.

It includes the Snowball Surprise Deluxe Doughnut, Christmas Crispy Chicken and back by popular demand, its Rudolph the Reindeer Doughnut.

The drinks menu will also include Orange or White Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Latte and Gingerbread Latte.