Whyte Rushen launches crowdfund to open first permanent restaurant

Chef Whyte Rushen, who was previously at Brat and Kerridge's, has raised over £1,500 from a crowdfunding campaign to open his first permanent restaurant.

The crowdfund launched last week with a set target of £20,000.

Funds will go towards completing the fit-out of the new site, which is in London's Hackney.

The chef posted on Instagram: "To create the space we've always dreamed of is obviously gonna cost a few quid, so this is not only an announcement, it's a call to arms...

"I've tried to always give and support and navigate my way through this industry with my head held high, so for everyone that's been there with me through the years… I ask you with the most thanks imaginable in advance, to, if you can, if you can spare it, however little, donate to help make this a reality for us all."

He added any support would "mean the world".

Rushen has served his food at various pop-ups and collaboration dinners at restaurants such as Mortimer House in London's Fitzrovia, artisan fishmonger Oeno Maris near London's Islington and Le Bab in London's Covent Garden.

Previous dishes include "Hon-Maguro" (tuna and scallop tartare, caramelised Hokkaido butter panko) and "The Krusty Klown" (Hoisin and rose wine pulled rib meat with house pickles and white onion on bbq base).