Two men were the first in the queue for Cumbria’s first Tim Hortons restaurant and drive-thru in Penrith – arrived 14 hours before it opened for the first time.
They were among dozens of customers who braved sub zero temperatures to get in the food and drink venue.
The Bridge Lane-based fast food outlet opened its doors shortly before 7am.
Among those waiting to get a taste of what the popular Canadian food and drink chain has to offer were people who had travelled from further afield, including West Cumbria.
“We got here at 4.45am,” said Laura Fossil, who lives at Pategill, Penrith, and was there waiting with Faye Popple, who had set her first alarm for 3.30am.
They were both very much looking forward to getting inside.
“I quite like Canadian stuff in general, so I am excited to try this. I love trying new things as well,” said Laura.
But Laura and Faye couldn’t top Darcy Lee, a 19-year-old postman who was the first customer in the drive-thru queue. He arrived at 5pm yesterday and has won free drinks every day for a year.
Maintenance worker Kieran Adams, 18, also arrived at 5pm yesterday and was the first walk-in customer – also winning free drinks every day for a year.
Those waiting had been well looked after by the Tim Hortons team, with Laura saying she was enjoying her second coffee of the morning, having been supplied with a first cup at 5.30am.
Tokens for a free breakfast meal were also being handed out by staff.
