As well as new shops, lots of new places to eat have opened in Stoke-on-Trent this year. 

Here is a small selection of those which opened their doors for the first time:

Greggs 

Greggs opened its first Stoke-on-Trent drive-thru restaurant and takeaway on a busy retail park last month. 

The shop will stocks Greggs favourites, including the new Christmas menu offerings: the Festive Bake, Vegan Turkey-Free & Stuffing Baguette and vegan-friendly Spicy Vegetable Curry Bake and Christmas Lunch Baguette.

The store created 24 new jobs and is open 6am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am-7pm on Sundays. 

Starbucks

Another Starbucks branch opened on a busy retail park in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent back in August. 

This is Stoke-on-Trent's fourth Starbucks branch - other shops are in Hanley, Smallthorne and Festival Park. 

Staff spent the opening morning handing out vouchers and Starbucks branded goody bags to their first customers, containing a travel cup, coffee pods and a keyring. 

Pasta 2 Go

Best friends, Barbara and Rashid, opened Pasta 2 Go in Longton in June this year. 

Barbara, who also owns a sandwich shop on Victoria Road, told Stoke Nub News: "We decided to open the shop because there's no healthy food options in Longton and we'd been thinking about it for a while."

The eatery hosts a bright pink seating area for customers to enjoy the homemade food, but also offers a delivery or collection service. 

READ MORE: Winter drinks now being served at popular Stoke cafe bar 

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