American brand Dunkin’ Donuts has announced plans to re-enter the UK market, 20 years after quitting these shores.

The first franchise agreements will see 50 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants open in Greater London, with discussions currently in place for a further 100 to open across the UK over the next five years.

The Court Group, chaired by UK businessman David Sheepshanks CBE, is one of the first to sign a franchise agreement with Dunkin’ Donuts to open 25 restaurants in East London.

DDMG Ltd., a partnership formed by three experienced US Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from the Philadelphia area and two local UK operators, has also signed an agreement to develop 25 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants, this time in North London.

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 that it will also offer regional menu items to cater for UK tastes.

Giorgio Minardi, president of Dunkin’ Brands International, said: “We feel there is significant opportunity for Dunkin’ Donuts in the UK, and we have had a tremendous response from potential franchisees interested in developing the brand across the country.”

David Sheepshanks CBE, chairman of The Court Group, added: “We have significant experience in the UK across a number of businesses, and we look forward to leveraging that experience as we develop the Dunkin’ Donuts brand in East London with the goal of becoming a destination of choice for the local communities around our stores."

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.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ sister brand, Baskin-Robbins, currently has 100 outlets in the UK, including free-standing restaurants as well as concession locations in other shops and cinemas.