A new sports bar is opening for business in Westquay off the back of the brand's success as a festival food stall and restaurant.

Kwackers, famous for its duck burgers, will open a sports bar on The Esplanade in an attempt to grow the business by offering entertainment for all the family and more food options, including vegan and vegetarians.

Kwackers started out with a food truck serving festival-goers at Boomtown, Rewind Festival and Glastonbury before eventually opening a restaurant in Westquay's food hall in 2020.

Co-founder Himat Bhakar, 44, said: “We really wanted to get stuck into the street food industry at festivals but knew that the burger market was completely saturated.

“We worked with a local Southampton butchers to create our signature Kwackers duck burger and were able to offer festival-goers a truly unique burger.

Daily Echo: Hamit Vhakar and his team with the key to his new venueHamit Vhakar and his team with the key to his new venue (Image: Kwackers)

“Before the pandemic, we were doing so well but as Covid-19 hit and live events went away we realised we needed to change our business model.

“We always wanted to open a restaurant and so when the unit became vacant in Westquay we jumped at the opportunity and moved upstairs in the shopping centre in 2020.”

The decision to open a sports bar follows the desire to expand the business and "offer something more".

Himat added: "Not only have we introduced a new range of dietary options but we also have an increased menu.

Daily Echo: The concept design of the Kwackers interiorThe concept design of the Kwackers interior (Image: Kwackers)

“We have worked hard to create a new smash burger that I had the pleasure of recently trying.

"It's juicy succulent and absolutely delicious.

“We want to stress that despite the fact we operate a sports bar, we are a venue where all the family is welcome.

“We will not just be showing the Champions League but also the women’s football league, the F1 and all other sporting events – this is a place where the whole family is welcome.

“When opening the bar, we have also tried to be as sustainable as we can – we have repurposed more than 70 per cent of the old furniture.

“This means we can be environmentally friendly and customers will feel they have walked into an entirely new bar and restaurant."

The new restaurant will be open on December 8.