KFC has opened a new restaurant and drive-thru at Taunton Retail Park in a building left vacant by Pizza Hut earlier this year. 

The fried chicken chain's new outlet features four self-service screens, an order desk, a collection desk and in-store seating and tables. 

Its menu includes sharing buckets, box meals for one, burgers, wraps, riceboxes, salads and a Quorn vegan option.

The restaurant and drive-thru opened its doors on Friday, December 16.

A KFC spokesperson said: “Ho, ho, ho… yes, the rumours are true and Colonel Christmas has come early to open a KFC restaurant in Taunton!

“With it we’ve created 45 new jobs in the area, ensuring your local KFC will be filled to the brim with our famous finger-lickin’ chicken.

“Our team has loved opening its doors to welcome fans in time for a Kentucky fried Christmas!”

Somerset County Gazette: The drive-thru has opened in the building previously occupied by Pizza Hut.The drive-thru has opened in the building previously occupied by Pizza Hut. (Image: Tom Leaman)

Pizza Hut closed its doors in August, blaming changes to people's buying habits during the pandemic leading to retailers favouring the drive-thru format.

When Pizza Hut shut, a spokesperson for the business said: “Like many hospitality businesses, Pizza Hut Restaurants has faced disruption following the pandemic.

“We are saddened by the closure of our Hankridge Way restaurant in Taunton, however this was beyond our control.”

KFC and Pizza Hut are both owned by parent company Yum!, a PepsiCo subsidary.

Somerset County Gazette: The building was left empty in August when former occupier Pizza Hut closed.The building was left empty in August when former occupier Pizza Hut closed. (Image: Tom Leaman)

The KFC outlet was approved by Somerset West and Taunton Council in August, with some alterations to the building a car park required to create the drive-thru.

Pizza Hut continues to operate a delivery service in Taunton from Station Road. 

KFC's neighbours include Puregym, Dreams and Feather & Black, Costa, Currys and Oak Furnitureland.

There is another KFC restaurant in Taunton at 59 East Street, which also offers delivery and order collection.