American brand Dunkin’ Donuts has opened its first UK store in Harrow, north London, 20 years after quitting these shores.

Opening with a soft launch on 14 December, the shop saw a large queue of customers from 9am, according to the company’s Facebook page.

Visitors were able to purchase a Xmas donut box in-store in preparation for the official launch on 17 December. This will see the local mayor attending, along with representatives from St Luke’s Hospice. Live entertainment and consumer promotions will also be provided.

A visitor to the store commented on Facebook: “The wait was well worth it... The breakfast was yummy and the donuts were scrumptious.”

Announced in September this year, the first franchise agreements hope to see 50 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants opened in Greater London. Discussions are also currently in place for a further 100 to open across the UK over the next five years, according to the business.

The UK restaurants will feature the brand’s range of coffees, teas, espresso-based beverages, Coolatta frozen drinks, donuts, muffins, croissants and sandwiches.

The brand said it will also offer regional menu items to cater for UK tastes.

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts currently has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries around the world, including more than 100 sites across Europe in Bulgaria, Germany, Russia and Spain.