The new owner of iconic Southampton restaurant Kuti's Brasserie has revealed its new name. 

Imran Talukder will launch Deja Vu within weeks at the historic Grade II listed Royal Pier. 

The name is a nod to the 80s when his father ran popular Indian restaurant Rajput on Poole High Street.

(Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Hampshire's longest serving pub landlord announces retirement - and son as successor

Imran, who also owns food businesses in Bournemouth and Poole,  says he's had to bring forward a planned refurbishment and relaunch because of negative associations with the previous business.

The restaurant was sold after the company behind Kuti's Brasserie filed for voluntary liquidation for the second time in two years.

Charismatic former owner Kuti Miah was also ordered to pay nearly £20,000 after losing a court case over a debt of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

"I thought I'd give it a go, I fancied a challenge," said Imran, who says he bought the restaurant on the 'spur of the moment' and only 'knows of' Kuti. "I thought it had been considered a good name over the years, but it looks like it isn't. 

"It's important to me to be as honest as possible in business. I just want to create somewhere where people can come and enjoy their evening.

"We won't do everything at once, but we want to rebuild confidence in the community.

"I'd encourage people to come and give it a try. I'm heavily involved in the community in Poole and want it to be the same here.

"I welcome opinions from people on how I can improve things. Everyone has different tastes, but any feedback is good feedback.

"I'm happy to listen and hear good ideas as without the community we don't really have a business. I might own the business, but really it's owned by customers and the community."

(Image: Newsquest) The menu will stay the same for now, with changes to come, but customers are welcome to challenge the talented new head chef and team to reproduce their favourite dish. 

Imran, who says he is a 'fussy eater', plans to keep a lower profile than his 'showman' predecessor. 

He added: "I tend to keep myself to myself and not really put myself out there. 

"It's all about building a good team and just being there behind the scenes."