TWO friends who have ridden the crest of the recession wave are to open a seven-days-a-week day-and-night restaurant near Chichester Cathedral.
Ben Miles and Andy Marsh are opening Belle Isle at Chapel Street after their first store, which opened in Southsea in 2009, proved to be a success.
The new restaurant will create around 25 jobs and will hold around 200 diners. It is expected to open at the end of March. They also want to involve local artists in helping to shape the look of their new restaurant.
Ben said: “We have spent a lot of time in Chichester over the years, socialising, eating out and drinking.
“We pride ourselves on good-quality products, with locally-sourced ingredients. It is a big subject for us.
“It is quite a privilege to be next to the cathedral as it’s the focal point of the community. All feedback we have received from people has been positive so far.”
Andy and Ben started their business venture together with a bar – Little Johnny Russell’s – in Albert Road, Southsea, five years ago. After the success of that they opened the first Belle Isle bar and restaurant, also in Southsea, in 2009.
The décor of the new giant venue at Chapel Street features a sunny travel feel, mixed with local photography, art and adverts from Chichester and the surrounding area.
Andy and Ben are hoping to approach local businesses and artists to put forward their own designs to add to the crate seating at the new restaurant. If you are interested in submitting artwork or want to work in the kitchen or bar at the new Belle Isle, please email info@thebelleisle.co.uk