IT was a warm summer's day and the world's media were waiting outside Parliament for a glimpse at the new Prime Minister.

When she emerged, her words were short, crisp and to the point - "Brexit means Brexit", Theresa May told the masses.

It was confirmation that the UK's taste for European life had been soured, that the goings-on of Brussels would be put to one side.

About the same time, about 50 miles south of Westminster, two brothers, undeterred by the words, continued to put the finishing touches to a very continental venture.

Their idea was simple - bring the national food of Belgium to the streets of the UK.

Within a few days, Befries had opened - serving Belgian chips and dips to the masses and proving that while the UK may be turning their back on the European Union, the taste of Brussels still can draw in the crowds.

It was thought up by Dashal and Chan Beevers, who were inspired by countless trips to the Low Countries to visit their father.

After importing and installing what they believe is the only Belgian fryer in the country, they opened the premises in Brighton city centre in August.

So far their produce of double cooked chips served with an array of sauces has gone down a treat, with Hollywood star Dakota Blue Richards among the tens of thousands of people who have picked up a portion of fried goodies.

Dashal, 38, who used to run an independent record label, said: "People are always amazed when we say we just sell fries. But who doesn't love chips?

"In Belgium and the Netherlands every street is packed with stalls selling chips and dips. It is the national dish and, the more we thought about it, the more we knew it would do well in a cosmopolitan city like Brighton.

"So far the response has been amazing. Someone we had in the other day said they were the best chips in the world, which was really humbling."

BeFries are as authentic to Belgian Fries as you can get.

Specially-sourced potatoes, which were developed just for fries, are peeled, cut to exact size then fried twice in an imported Belgian fryer.

They are then served up in a cone with a choice of more than a dozen sauces.

Traditionalists out there may want to go for one of the two types of mayonnaise.

But there is also curried ketchup, sweet peanut satay sauce and dill and gherkin on the menu.

For winter there is a new addition - dessert fries, which sees crisp potatoes rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with chocolate sauce and salted caramel.

Once parcelled up, they are placed in one of a series of holes in the serving counter ready to be devoured.

Those that perch at the bar are given a taste of as many sauces as they like to accompany their fries.

At the top end of the shop, there are plenty of tables too which are packed by people of all ages.

On the wall, jars of flowers hang while the entrance is dominated by a blackboard which shows the whole frying process.

Below, is a space for kids to chalk their own designs on the wall.

With top notch customer service thrown in, the secret is slowly getting out about a unique eatery that is proving to be a welcome addition to the city's thriving independent food scene.

Dashal said: "We're trying to do things the right way.

"We've taken care of everything in the business to make it's as good as we possibly can.

"We pay staff the living wage, we support local charities and we are building links with some of the amazing independent businesses and producers that make Brighton so special.

"It's a real privilege to be part of it."

The venture is very much a new one for the brothers.

Dashal, who has lived in Brighton for 20 years, used to run an independent record label.

Keen for a new challenge, he dreamt up the idea of BeFries two years ago and persuaded Chan to leave his job as head pastry chef working in some of London's most prestigious restaurants in April.

Since then the pair spent four months finding the right location and then refurbishing the premises near the Clock Tower in the city centre.

With brother Joe and sister Ezda helping out too, this is very much a family affair.

Dashal said: "It's brilliant to have all the support of the family in doing this.

"Chan and I have put everything we have into it. It has not been easy but we do not regret it one bit.

"The support from our family, friends, other businesses and all our customers has made our first four months really enjoyable.

"I honestly can't think of a better place to be starting a new business than in Brighton."

As for the future? Well, even with the UK turning their back on Brussels, it seems that the taste for Belgium's favourite fried goods will never sour.

So keep your eyes out as a Befries frites shop could be coming to a street near you very soon.