Independent cafe and restaurant business, Real Eating Company is to open its eighth eatery at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, as part of plans to expand its chain to up to 16 sites.
The new addition to the brand's estate, which was formed in 2004 by Helena Hudson (pictured), follows a £190k loan from London-based peer-to-peer lending company, RateSetter.
Hudson moved to Brighton in 2001 with her family and quickly spotted the potential for a high-quality British casual dining/cafe concept in the area.
The company, which currently operates seven cafes and restaurants across the South East, has reported an annual turnover of £2m. The sites offer a menu of healthy plates and snacks using quality local produce wherever possible.