The Mediterranian chain, Ego Restaurants, is heading to Penarth this April and despite their national success, they discuss how each of their sites aims to encompass a locally centric and community feel.

Replacing the former Harvester Restaraunt on Lavernock Road, Ego discusses their new venture with Nub News and what they hope to bring to the Penarth area.

Ego will work over a five-week period to transform the building into a sleek and modern eatery.

Despite the building remaining under the ownership of Mitchells and Butlers, this is a totally new and separate business.

A spokesperson for the restaurant said: ''We invest heavily into the refurbishment of the restaurant with a brand new kitchen, bar and restaurant area.''

And why this site? Why Penarth?

''Penarth is a beautiful location. We typically have sites that sit a couple of miles outside of the town or city centre. We are seeing a lot of people eating closer to home and wanting to be away from high streets due to parking and the busy nature of town centres.

''We are a very family-friendly business and open to everyone in the community. We will be perfect for a quick lunch, cocktails in the evening, a romantic date night dinner, Birthday celebrations or family gatherings.''

Regarding the closure of the Harvester, Ego discussed the roles of previous employees.

''Everyone from the Harvester has been offered a job at our new site. All the staff and everyone that worked there is offered new positions, regardless of how long they've been working there for.''

Ego typically employs around 40 people who are a mix of full and part-time staff. They say that recruitment has been really positive internally and they have also had some external recruitment which has also been really successful.

The business is also currently on the lookout for local charities or community projects. As part of their opening, they hold trial nights with proceeds from those evenings going to local causes.

Guests are invited to attend on a first come first serve basis and they pay a set price of £15.95 for 2 courses from the à la carte menu. The restaurant aims to raise £2500 from the trial opening for charity.

A spokesperson for Ego said: ''We have previously donated to hyper-local charities, schools in need of new playgrounds or sensory rooms and village/ community projects.''

To put your Penarth project forward to receive the donations you can contact the site on their Facebook page (@EgoPenarth).

The new restaurant also welcomes people to come and test them out with a free drink. Customers can sign up to Ego Club on their website where you can receive a free drink with no obligation to purchase anything else (link at the bottom of the article).

The pub side of the site will be dog-friendly, and you can still receive a full restaurant service in this area. There will then be another section for those that would like to dine without furry friends.

Ego will provide fresh food which is cooked on-site in the open kitchen. There is a Mediterranean influence but it will still also encompass a range of pub classics, including a Sunday roast. It specialises in fresh fish and seafood.

There will also be a range of Gluten-free/ vegan alternatives available.

It will be open from 11 am, 7 days a week.

You can view Penarth specific offers, menus and the Ego Club on their website.