Kevin Whelan's beach cafe-with-a-conscience was so popular it remained opened for the entire winter - with days' takings sometimes the same as during the summer months.

So it made sense to open a second branch at one of Brighton's busiest spots.

The business specialises in low-fat, low-sugar, organic food for children, with a menu featuring home-made paninis, sandwiches, wraps, toasties and sandwiches, as well as salads, frozen yoghurt with fruit or honey, baked crisps, cereal bars, Fair Trade coffee and low-fat smoothies.

Just to the right of the Palace Pier, the new stand - surrounded by the usual seafront fare of doughnuts, candyfloss and hotdogs - provides a healthy haven for those who want a different option.

Kevin (pictured right) and his staff of ten, including Aussie foodie Brad Jacobson (pictured left) and finance whizz Pete Webb, are always on the look-out for new products.

So far, brands include Green & Blacks ice cream and chocolate, Organics children's range, Whole Earth drinks, Kate's Cakes, Montezuma's chocolate and Infinity Foods. The company can also make up picnic and party bags (about two days' notice is needed for group orders).

"When we opened the first cafe in Kings Road Arches, next to a children's playground, I felt we had a moral obligation to offer healthy choices," says Kevin, who has been inspired in his product choices by Jamie Oliver and Helena Hudson of the acclaimed Real Eating Company, Hove.

"We were going to close in the winter but mums said, 'Please don't'. They loved the fact they could give their kids a really healthy lunch - and the fact we do a seriously good coffee."

The new site was formerly occupied by Frank-In-Steine cafe. Kevin admits he had some reservations: "I thought, 'I've got this successful little place in Hove. Am I going to gamble it all on going down to the pier?'.

"But, from the response we've had so far, I think we're going to be okay."

Kevin says his loyal staff are essential the success of his business. "They build up a real rapport with customers. I'm blessed."

Eventually, he hopes to have a "little chain of about six" in the Brighton area and possibly expand right along the South Coast. He'll be working with Brighton University students to develop the Beach House brand.

"I'd like it to be a case of, when you're on the beach, look out for a Beach House."

Review by Leilah Nicola