THAI favourite Mango is fundraising to help it reopen its three popular Southampton eateries.

The independent chain, which has been a much-loved fixture in the city for nearly 14 years, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it raise £5,000 towards continuing to pay overheads ahead of a relaunch.

Customers are being offered gift vouchers for future use and other incentives to offer their support.

If the group reach their fundraising target by July 13, it will be match funded by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

Bosses at Mango Thai, which specialises in Thai tapas and cocktails, have had a particularly tough 2020.

Flooding caused by Storm Dennis meant their Ocean Village eatery in Canute Road was forced to close in February.

And now the original Portswood venue and one in Above Bar have also been left empty for weeks amid the coronavirus crisis.

A Mango spokesman said: "Like so many businesses, we face great uncertainty in these unprecedented times.

"We have worked hard to build Mango over the last 14 years, establishing a space that our customers can enjoy dining, relaxing and having fun in, and we’re so proud to have served the community of Southampton in all that time.

"As the pandemic evolved our biggest priority was ensuring our staff felt safe and as a result of this we made the decision to close the restaurant ahead of the forced lockdown. Thankfully the Government’s furlough scheme has meant they will be looked after during our closure, but, we now need to ensure there is a job for them to come back to.

"Small independent restaurants like us run on small profit margins and rely on a regular flow of income to keep things going.

"We have never wanted to ask for help in the form of fundraising, fearing it uncouth, but it is important to know when to ask for help and now more than ever, we need you, our Mango customers, friends and family to support us and help us get through to the other side.

"We can’t wait to open our doors again to feed you delicious Thai food and Island cocktails. We’re so grateful to every one of our customers and friends we’ve made who have supported us over the years."

Rewards range from a £10 voucher to a meal for up to 20 plus a £125 drinks voucher if pledging £500.

Nearly £1,000 has been raised so far.

Donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/mangothai