The Brighton-based Giggling Squid group of Thai restaurants has announced its first London opening, in Wimbledon village this summer.

The group plans to expand rapidly in the capital, having taken a £6.4million investment to accelerate growth plans. The Wimbledon venue will seat 110, with potential to double in size by extending upstairs.

It launched a branch in Farnham last month, with Brentwood and Windsor venues also on schedule to open in the first half of this year. Group founder Andy Laurillard believes a fall in London property values caused by Brexit could lead to further opportunities.

Launched in 2009 by Laurillard and his Thai-born wife, Pranee (pictured), Giggling Squid now has 20 branches across southern England as far north as Warwick and Norwich.

The Harden’s Survey sums up its appeal neatly: “tasty, fast and fun”.