An independent coffee shop chain which has opened a new branch in a former Costa is hoping to give a nearby Starbucks competition. The Real Eating Company has moved into the former coffee shop unit in King Street Maidstone opposite the popular American brand. Managing director and founder of the company Helena Hudson explained that the company had been looking to move in since before Christmas, though the Costa did not close until January 20. When explaining the business model she said: “We’re like a big small business and so for us every individual shop matters. “It’s a bit of a hybrid coffee…