Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana. The berries are poisonous so don't be tempted. I like the plants, but other folks take them out.

Thanks for reply. Definitely won't be eating them! Pleased we now know what it is.

i think they are stunning, but yep posionous.

They've appeared all over the place in my area in the past two years. I love them but they seed everywhere and grow incredibly quickly. From seedling to 2 metre by 2 metre shrub takes only two growing seasons.

The birds love them and eat the berries very quickly . It doesn't harm the birds because it is the seeds that are poisonous( so I'm told) and they pass straight though doing no harm.

Thanks for all this info. very interesting to learn more about them.