The founder of a popular Southbourne restaurant says he’s “blown away” after tenth anniversary celebrations raised £11,800 for charity.

James Fowler, who opened the popular venue in January 2011, said the amount raised for its chosen charity, Action Against Hunger, had far exceeded expectations.

He said: “We normally raise £5,000 throughout the whole year and had, somewhat ambitiously, set a target of £10,000 for our anniversary.

“To end up raising £11,800 – just short of £12,000 – is amazing.”

The Southbourne Grove restaurant, which normally employs 40 people, staged a week of online events to mark its first decade in business.

They ranged from cocktail and wine tastings to a ten course celebratory meal showcasing some of The Larder House’s favourite dishes over the last ten years.

A raffle featured prizes donated by friends and suppliers of the restaurant while a prize auction was also held.

The prizes were based on experiences within the restaurant or offsite.

They included a camping experience where Head Chef Quentin Royles cooks a private meal at a lakeside camping location.

James, pictured with Morgan House, said: “It was a memorable week for the restaurant.

“Although a different way of celebrating a milestone anniversary, the team thoroughly enjoyed it.

“We were blown away by the support from our customers and suppliers.”

The Larder House has now converted its restaurant into a kitchen market, selling the ingredients from its suppliers direct to customers to cook at home.

James, whose claims to fame include being named 2014 World Class UK Bartender of the Year, said: “We have vegetables from the local Sopley farm and onsite fishmonger (Burt of Cove on the Quay).

“The chefs run takeaway dishes and we have daily handmade pasta, bakery products and even our own butchery station.”

One of the The Larder House’s loyal customers, Gordon Fong, said: “We know the hospitality sector has suffered hugely due to the pandemic restrictions.

“James and his team just quietly get on with things.

“The support from Southbourne and his customer base and suppliers is huge.”

• The Larder House Kitchen Market is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm but the Cove on the Quay fish stall closes at 3pm.