A couple who own the award-winning West African and Caribbean restaurant Nativ in Bournemouth serving up authentic soul food are launching a new venture.

Chef and restaurant owner Prince Ogbuji is to open Mbuntu in Southampton next month.

Mbuntu, which is pronounced as ‘Mm-Boon-Too’, an African word meaning ‘I am who I am, because of who we are’ – is located on the former site of the Bitterne Park Hotel.

Known throughout Dorset and Hampshire, and working alongside his wife, Dorothy, as owners of the Nativ restaurants in Bournemouth and Southampton, the couple are originally from Nigeria.

They have operated bars and restaurants for more than a decade.

The couple moved to Bournemouth in 2005 and opened their first restaurant in Boscombe four years later.

They relocated to their current premises, Nativ in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, in 2015.

The restaurant serves West African and Caribbean soul food.

During normal times it can be eaten in the restaurant with its contemporary traditional décor or delivered as a takeaway.

Nativ can also often be seen at pop up events in the area.

At the tenth anniversary celebrations of Nativ, pictured, in 2019, Prince said: “It was always our dream to open a business in the hospitality industry, and we fell in love with Bournemouth.

“It hasn’t always been easy, and it was thanks to the help of other business owners, as well as our hard work and determination, that enabled us to start our own business and build it into what it is today.

“Looking back over the years, we started selling online out of our garage at home.

“We worked hard to build up the business and added festivals and events which saw regulars return and the business expand.”

Chef and restaurateur Prince said the couple’s new venture, Mbuntu Cocktail Bar & Bistro, which opens on May 17, “offers a warm and welcoming venue which brings everyone together.”

He added: “All for one and one for all.

“When you walk in we want you to feel very much part of the Mbuntu family.

“It’s a philosophy, an inclusive way of life centred on including everyone.

“We want to become part of our new community, as family, friends and colleagues join us for stylish or relaxed celebrations.”

Among signature dishes will be a Japanese katsu curry, Italian pasta and Mexican burritos, complemented by cocktails and soft drinks.

Nativ opened its first franchise in Southampton in May 2019.

The Bournemouth restaurant has won awards locally and nationally.

They include BHStars, the BAPTAs and The Great Taste Awards for the Nativ hot sauce.