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A PAIR of chefs who previously worked at Southsea Beach Cafe have set up a new street food venue in the city centre that aims to bring fine-dining culture to the street-food scene.

Gary Moreton-Jones, 40, and business partner John Brookes opened Nosh Box in Commercial Road opposite Portsmouth and Southsea train station earlier this month.

On offer is a range of coffees and muffin dishes and baps, including ingredients like local smoked streaky Hampshire bacon, home made bacon jam, smoked bacon butter and frazzle seasoning.

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Gary Moteton-Jones and John Brookes, the founders of Nosh Box.

Nosh Box’s home inside two tanker containers have been given a makeover thanks to Portsmouth graffiti artist Fark, with the owners planning street art and street food competitions to rival London and Bristol.

Gary, who has been a professional chef for more than a decade, said: ‘We wanted to create that London and Bristol vibe. We’re planning pop-ups and live music. We’re talking to other street food vendors. We’re really passionate about the business.

‘Me and John come from a fine dining background, and take elements of that and make it more affordable a put it on the street.’

The business has turned the previously empty car park space – privately owned – into the dining space in less than eight weeks, according to Gary.

Nosh Box's menu includes a range of baps and coffees.

The 40-year-old said: ‘We started with an empty space in July and thought by Fresher’s week we want to have a finished business. We built the whole ourselves.’

And it appears that the hard work is beginning to pay off, with the pair reporting ‘amazing’ feedback from the community.

Gary said: ‘We have had a lot of repeat customers daily – you can’t ask for more than that.’

The business owner previously worked at Southsea Beach Cafe, Mettricks coffee shops in Southampton, and Josie's independent coffee shop in Petersfield.

The Nosh Box street food venue off Commercial Road.

Regarding the economic turmoil facing restaurants and food businesses, he said: ‘The catering industry has been properly hammered over the last few years – a cut to VAT rates would certainly help.’

Nosh Box is planning late night openings to coincide with the We Shine festival of lights next month, including a Christmas menu of hog roast dishes and hot chocolates.

Former chefs at Southsea Beach Cafe open 'fine dining meets street food' venue in city centre