THE flagship restaurant in a home grown chain has reopened after major storm damage earlier this year.

Thai restaurant Giggling Squid in Hove relaunched following a £150,000 refit.

The 80-cover, two floor branch was extensively damaged in July by a violent summer storm when thousands of gallons of rain water cascaded through the roof.

Privately-owned Giggling Squid launched in Hove six years ago and has become one of the UK’s fastest growing chains, with ten restaurants.

Three more openings are scheduled for early 2015 with negotiations underway for six more properties nationwide.

Group turnover doubled in this year and is expected to redouble again in 2015.

Co-owned by Pranee Laurillard and husband Andy, Giggling Squid specialises in Thai tapas, with seafood landed off Shoreham.

It has also launched a gourmet evening and tasting venue matched with wine by Toby Peirce of Brighton and Hove based Quaff Wines.