PASTRY lovers are rejoicing after a new bakery was rolled out in Colchester... making it the sixth of its kind in the city.

Greggs has opened its newest eatery as part of the ever-growing Northern Gateway development, just off the A12, creating 22 jobs in the process.

The new drive-thru site - the first of its kind in Colchester - joins an already lengthy line-up of Greggs stores across the city. 

There are two city centre bakeries, in Long Wyre Street and Culver Street West, a further two in Stanway, at Stane Park and in Peartree Road, and one in St Christopher Road.

Gazette: Welcome - the entrance to the drive-thru at the new GreggsWelcome - the entrance to the drive-thru at the new Greggs (Image: Newsquest)

The High Street branch of Greggs closed earlier this year to make way for the new Culver Street West store which opened in June.

The iconic blue branding for the latest store was installed at the Northern Gateway site at the end of October as bosses prepared to open its doors to sausage roll and steak bake fans.

Greggs bosses later confirmed the site was due to open in early December, with the new outlet finally opening its doors today.

The shop will stock freshly prepared Greggs favourites, including Christmas menu offerings such as the Festive Bake, Vegan Turkey-Free and Stuffing Baguette, as well as all-new vegan-friendly Spicy Vegetable Curry Bake and Christmas Lunch Baguette.

New additions to the festive hot drink range include the all-new Orange Hot Chocolate and Orange Mocha, which join the returning Mint Hot Chocolate, Mint Mocha and Salted Caramel Latte.

Gazette: New - the site is Colchester's sixth GreggsNew - the site is Colchester's sixth Greggs (Image: Newsquest)

Retail operations director for Greggs Gillian Long said: “Our new drive-thru shop in Colchester has brought 22 new jobs to the area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their favourite Greggs food.”

The new Greggs marks the next stage of the ever-expanding £70million Northern Gateway project.

It is the second outlet to open on the site, following in the footsteps of neighbouring fast food chain Wendy’s.

The new Travelodge, meanwhile, has been earmarked to open in early 2024.

It was hoped the Northern Gateway Leisure Park would open this autumn, but the project has been marred by delays.

Turnstone Estates, the developers behind Northern Gateway, said last month the complex will not open until next summer.