One of Britain's fastest growing companies is to open a branch in Hove.

Goodbean Coffee plans to open a coffee house on the corner of George Street and Church Road by July.

The Brighton-based company will take over the former premises of men's outfitters Broadley Brothers.

The shop closed earlier this year when owner Christopher Broadley decided to retire for health reasons.

A planning application has already gone in to move the entrance from the side to the corner of the building.

Karla Lateef, of Goodbean, said: "We have 11 coffee shops across the South-East.

"We plan to have 20, including Hove, open by the summer and there are plans to go national after that."

The move was being seen as a coup for George Street by traders and Brighton and Hove City Council. Goodbean is the first major business to move into the street since it was pedestrianised.

The council is spending £450,000 on a major facelift for the street which is expected to be complete by the end of next month.

A council spokeswoman said: "This is excellent news for George Street and the people of Hove. Goodbean is a well-known company and we are pleased that they are investing in the future of George Street."

Keith Bryden, chairman of Hove Business Association, said: "It is very positive news.

"We hope that more big names will follow and that they will attract customers to the area."

Goodbean opened its first coffee bar in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, in November 1998.