Crowds gathered in Chelmsford for the opening of the first new Dunkin’ Donuts American-style coffee shop outside of London.

The restaurant in Moulsham Street, which is the second to open as part of the US brand’s return to the UK after a gap of 20 years, was officially opened by former Ipswich Town, Liverpool and Scotland footballer John Wark.

It is being run by local franchisee Court Group, chaired by former Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks, which is also planning to open a restaurant in Cambridge in the next few months and another in Essex by the summer.

A queue formed outside the new Chelmsford shop ahead of the official opening, the first two customers being Dunkin’ Donuts fans who had travelled from Romford, but are originally from Boston USA. They said they were delighted to see Dunkin’ Donuts in the UK and received a year’s free donuts and a year’s free coffee.

Mr Sheepshanks said: “We are delighted by the reception we have had on opening day. This is the first UK Dunkin’ Donuts outside London, and we are proud and excited to bring this world famous brand to Chelmsford.

“We look forward to becoming part of the community in Chelmsford, providing our customers with not just donuts and coffee, but also breakfast, sandwiches, a whole host of drinks, as well as a range of reduced-calorie options.”

They Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, Trevor Miller and his wife Maureen, also attended the restaurant opening.

Dunkin’ Donuts supported the Farleigh Hospice by making a donation to the charity for every dozen donuts sold on opening day.

The Chelmsford Dunkin’ Donuts menu includes a wide range of hot and iced beverages, including Dunkin’ Donuts’ Original Blend coffee and tea, as well as an assortment of breakfast and all-day sandwiches, baked goods, all-day snacks, and grab-and-go products.

The menu also includes items specially tailored to the UK, including sausage butties, bacon butties and porridge.

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s leading all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. The company has nearly 11,000 restaurants in 33 countries worldwide, but pulled out of the UK in the mid 1990s.