ONE of Southend’s most prominent restaurants is moving.

Mangetout bosses based in Tylers Avenue, Southend, have asked property company Dedman Gray to begin marketing their existing home - the old Churchill’s building which is close to the town’s high street.

Managing director Mike Gray said: “They’ve been looking at various options and are interested in about four or five sites in the town.

“We’ve only just offered this restaurant on the market and although there’s been other options in the town, this is a very bold corner position and it has been an established as a restaurant for many many years.

“Because of that we’re expecting an interest, not only from local operators, but also from some of the larger chains that are wanting to come to Southend.”

The restaurant spans over two floors and has an outdoor garden and barbecue space with an operating licence until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mr Gray said although there has been a downturn for some companies, retailers have shown faith in Southend’s town centre.

He added: “Nearby operators like Patisserie Valerie - despite closing dozens of stores across the country - have continued trading in Southend, showing they have faith in the strength of the town centre.”

Southend’s Patisserie Valerie was spared closure earlier this year and the town also avoided the loss of its Marks and Spencers despite the retailer closing hundreds of stores across the country, including the one in Basildon.

Other restaurants which have opened recently in Southend include Molo Lounge in the town’s high street and Revolution in Queens Road.

Mangetout opened in Tylers Avenue - the former home of Churchill’s nightclub - in 2015.

The owners moved their operation to the new premises, which were three times larger than their former home in Chichester Road, to cope with increasing demand.

Mangetout owners Will and Frank Fishenden have said they have exciting plans.

In a joint statement issued about the news and said: “We are very excited about the prospective change of premises and the future of Mangetout in Southend.

“We cannot disclose any further details at present, but please keep an eye on our social media pages for an upcoming announcement.”

For information, visit www.facebook.com/MangetoutGrill/