Brothers' restaurant to bring hot dogs and beer to Southsea

The Crafty Hotdog Company at 72 Albert Road is holding a grand opening on Saturday, June 4 at midday.

The premises was formerly the Fifth Hants Eating House, which was owned by the pub next door but never opened, and prior to that was the Proper Pompey Kitchen.

Brothers Mike and Stuart Hiles, who were born in Hilsea and are former City Boys students, have gone into business together.

Mike said: ‘Me and my brother have put a lot work in to trying to make our first restaurant a success and it’d be great for everyone to come and see what they think. It’s going to be a fun day with lots of beer flowing and good food eating.’

Mike, 31, from Southsea, has more than 10 years hospitality experience, and has previously worked for Greene King at the Farmhouse pub, in Burrfields Road, Copnor and the Seagull, in Portchester.

He will be running the restaurant as manager.

His brother Stuart, 33, a dad-of-two from Paulsgrove, will be involved in the business, however he will continue to work on off-shore oil rigs.

They struck upon the idea of a hot dog restaurant when they saw a restaurant called Bubbledogs in London.

Bubbledogs serves hot dogs and champagne, however Mike and Stuart say they will be serving craft beers at their Southsea restaurant.

The business has created three jobs – a chef and two front-of-house.

For more search The Crafty Hotdog Company on Facebook or call (023) 9243 9371.