American fried chicken chain Popeyes will open a new branch in Croydon next year. 

It will be one of 20 restaurants the company is opening in the UK next year.

The new George Street restaurant is expected to open in early 2023. The fast food chain is now hiring for a new general manager with an annual salary of £35-40,000.

There are currently two restaurants in London in Ealing and Stratford.

The Ealing branch opened earlier this month with nearly 3,000 visiting on its first day of trading.

Matthew Sims, chief executive of Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), said: “This is great news for Croydon at a time when many sectors, including hospitality, are challenged by adverse economic conditions.

"It demonstrates that Croydon has a great deal to offer to outside investors who are looking to not only expand but also take advantage of the opportunities available.

“While we can all focus on the challenges facing the town centre, new investors such as Popeyes will only improve the offer, generate new jobs, and increase our collective appeal as a destination.”

Fried chicken fans queued from 5am to get a taste of Popeyes when it opened in Oxford in September.

The chain was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has more than 3,500 restaurants across the world.

Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, said: “From north to south, we’re building communities of chicken lovers across the country.

"We’re beyond proud to bring our world-famous Louisiana chicken to fans all over the UK and give them a real taste of Southern US hospitality.”

The address listed on the job advert is 66 George Street which is currently home to a branch of the Yorkshire Building Society.

The building society has been contacted for comment.