The city’s first Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet is due to open next month.

A franchise operated by Amsric Foods Ltd aims to open in Upper Brook Street in time for the August Bank Holiday.

The firm has taken a 20-year lease on the former Thresher wine shop, which stands next to Domino’s Pizza. It will employ around 15 people.

The KFC brand dates back nearly 60 years.

KFC property agent, Peter Spelman, said: “The restaurant group has been looking for representation in Winchester for many years, and this shop is ideal as it will capture good lunchtime and early evening trade.”

Paul Russell, of estate agents, Goadsby, which marketed the unit, said: “In these times where shorter leases are becoming more common it is good to see this level of commitment from an incoming tenant new to the city.”