THE first few weeks of trading for a new haunt at the Top of The Town has been a quacking success, according to one of its owners.

The Duck and Tipple is the name of a new eatery which opened last month in Wote Street, above the Subway store.

The idea is the brainchild of friends since school Morgan Copelin and Matt Creeper, who three years ago set up The Tipsy Goose, which offers quirky bars and marquee services for events such as weddings.

Now putting down some roots, the pair want the Duck and Tipple to focus on food to be shared between guests served up with cocktails while by day, coffee and using the venue as a meeting place would be the focus, amid low lighting and even lower music.

Morgan said: "We had a soft opening just to test the water and see how things went. We actually opened with a coffee and cocktails event where everyone also got a slice of cake with whatever they ordered.

"The weekends have been very good so far, we've been full on Friday and Saturday nights and now weekdays and during the day are picking up.

"The amount of people that come up saying that is is something Basingstoke needs has been great.

"Its nice in that we are getting regular customers already so we know what they want as soon as they walk in the door. They come in the morning for a coffee and then come back later wanting some food or a drink so we see them often."

The venture has seven members of staff who also contribute their time to Morgan and Matt's The Tipsy Goose business.

Morgan added: "This means they can get some experience with the other side at the events."

The venue offers a rolling menu of food, largely based on local produce, with the current theme being festive, but with a twist as there is currently Christmassy nachos and paninis being dished up.

However, in the New Year, the plan is to have a menu in which all of the items contain 500 calories or less, as to help people keep to any New Year's resolutions revolving around leading a healthier life.