A new KFC restaurant has opened in Richmond with the owners saying it has already brought 30 jobs to the area.

The new fried chicken establishment on Kew Road opened its doors on Monday (November 22), with the management saying it was "still welcoming applications for those keen to join the team".

The restaurant described the compact size of the establishment as a "unique small-box restaurant concept" and said it hoped to tap into rugby fans on their way to and from Twickenham stadium nearby.

Commercial Director Angelina Mouralidarane of Iceking Group said: "We’ve been keen to bring KFC’s delicious fried chicken to Richmond for some time, and we’re so excited to be finally frying up our fan favourites! It’s great to be bringing jobs to the local area, and we can’t wait to open our doors to the community."

KFC, part of the Iceking multinational, operate in well over 100 countries worldwide and boasted a revenue of some US$27.9 billion in 2020.

Animal rights groups have criticised them for their history on animal welfare, but the UK branch of the company were praised in recent years after making a number of steps to reform animal welfare practices.

They became the first major fast food outlet in the country to join the 'Better Chicken Commitment' that aims to ensure better conditions for the captive animals by lessening the way the birds are crammed in together, giving them more space, natural light and banning cages.