A Canadian restaurant brand has revealed plans to open up a new site in south Essex.

Tim Hortons says it will be setting up a restaurant and drive-thru at Lakeside before the end of the year.

It opened its first venue in Essex in Harlow back in May.

Tim Hortons is best known for its coffees and selection of doughnuts.

It is aiming to set up a restaurant in every UK town or city before the end of 2022.

The new restaurant at Lakeside will have dine-in seating for up to 108 people, as well as space for 16 more outside.

Residents in the area will also have access to a delivery option for food and drinks.

The site at Lakeside will create up to 50 new jobs, and plans are in place to open a third site in Essex in Braintree soon after.

Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer of Tim Hortons® franchise in the U.K commented: “Following an incredibly successful launch in Harlow, we are thrilled to announce a further two openings in Essex later this year - taking our total number of restaurants to three within the county.

"Our openings in Thurrock and Braintree will not only allow us to bring our Canadian charm to the fantastic local community but also to those in East London and the surrounding areas.

"This marks a huge step in bringing our brand closer to home for many of our fans.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the brand as we continue this period of exponential growth and we’ll be searching for local talent to join us on our journey.

"Our three openings in Essex are providing over 150 job opportunities across the county and we are extremely proud of the training and progression opportunities we offer.

"We look forward to recruiting for a variety of exciting part-time and full-time roles and will be accepting applications immediately via our website.”

Tim Hortons says its customers can expect a wide-range of coffees, freshly baked doughnuts and Timbits (mini doughnuts) around the clock, as well as breakfast, lunch and evening meal options, including hot sandwiches and wraps.