Restaurants backer David Page back with new Fulham Shore venture

David Page, the restaurants entrepreneur who has backed and made fortunes from PizzaExpress and Gourmet Burger Kitchen among many other chains, is back with a new venture called Fulham Shore.

The firm has raised £850,000 from around 30 investors with a view to investing in London restaurants that are ripe for expansion.

Page, the chairman, said he hopes to be seen as a “friendly” big brother, approaching venues that the investors like personally to see if the owners are keen to grow. A statement today said the strategy is to target businesses “which are known to and admired by the directors”.

Said Page, pictured: “To paraphrase Mr Micawber, what we do depends on what comes up.

“Some people we approach will say they are happy staying at one or two restaurants, some will be afraid of expansion, some will be keen.”

Fulham Shore today applied for its ordinary shares to trade on the ISDX Growth Market, the new Icap-backed junior stock market.

As its name suggests, the venture will target London businesses.