Australian-style burger café Ben’s Canteen has raised more than £400,000 in a crowdfunding campaign towards an ambitious expansion programme from its Battersea base.

Ben Walton opened the original café in 2011, adding a branch in nearby Earlsfield in 2015. The next phase begins with a high-profile branch at the new Battersea Power Station development in September, the first of 10 planned new sites in the next five years.

The Canteens specialise in brunch, serving high-quality coffee, good bloody Marys and wine. Walton aims to replicate the atmosphere of a good pub – but without draught beer or Sky Sports. The pitch seems to be working: 70% of his customers are young women.

A funding drive on Crowdcube raced through the £250,00 target, and has almost reached its £475,000 ceiling.