Entrepreneur opens new Italian restaurant Figurati! at Ocean Village in Southampton

Chris Schutrups, who runs the Hunters Inn in Romsey and the Dolphin Inn in Hursley, opened a new venue called Figurati! at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton last week.

Founded by Chris and his friend Richard Gilbert along with their wives Nicola and Sophie, the restaurant promises to bring a new dining experience to the city which hasn’t been seen before.

The name Figurati! means “no worries” in Italian and has seen the four business partners invest more than £600,000 into the new concept.

Richard said: “We wanted to bring a combination of modem sharing style dining complimented by traditional large dishes.

“The weekends will bring a unique vibe with DJs playing the most upfront electronic music to accompany your meal.

“There is also an extensive unique wine list of nearly 100 wines and the venue has a luxurious modern decor designed by Four Square, a local refit company we’ve been working with alongside my wife Sophie.”

The business partners already have a strong footing in the city with their respective businesses, Richard is the owner of various venues in the city including Cafe Parfait whilst Chris and his wife are founders of The Mortgage Hut. They also have a business interest in The Olive Tree in Ocean Village too.

Chris said: “We’re excited to bring Figurati to the Marina, it’s Southampton’s premium location, with a host of amazing restaurants and the five-star Harbour Hotel on the doorstep, it’s where people want to go to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening or meal in the sun at the weekend.

“We’re extremely confident about the location hence our investment into two venues already and a third venue to come.”