Branching out but keeping it real

9:39am Tuesday 31st October 2006

The owner of Brighton and Hove's first restaurantcum- gourmet superstore is putting her confidence in a historic market town.

Helena Hudson hopes to emulate the success of The Real Eating Company (REC) in Lewes where she is opening a 70-cover restaurant and deli in November.

The former media director turned restaurateur has taken over the premises formerly occupied by the Long Room restaurant in Cliffe High Street.

The 39-year-old Londoner said Lewes was a "beautiful and vibrant town" where there was "real interest in good quality food".

She added: "We are certain the Real Eating Company format and our focus on offering a seasonally changing menu in a casual and welcoming environment will be very well received and will provide another platform for the further development of the company."

In another development, REC has teamed up with Sussexbased kitchenware retailer Steamer Trading to open a string of coffee bars across the county.

The first 28-seat bar has opened in Steamer Trading's shop in East Street, Horsham, and will serve food-to-go, cakes and REC's own label dry goods.

REC has also announced the appointment of executive chef Darren Velvick, previously head chef at the Michelinstarred Petrus hotel in London's Knightsbridge.

Helena described the appointment of the 32-year-old - who will be responsible for REC's restaurants in Western Road, Hove, and Lewes - as a "massive coup".

She said: "Darren has demonstrated he is one of Britain's premier chefs.

"His skill and enthusiasm will reinforce our restaurant and will open up new opportunities for us."

Mother of two Helena opened REC in January 2004.

In just under three years her restaurant has been awarded a Bib Gourmand and was voted "one of the best places to have breakfast in the South East" by readers of the Observer.

This year she was shortlisted for Grazia magazine's Business Woman of the Year Award.

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