A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to help save a vegan restaurant that has been forced to close for selling donuts.

Offbeet is a vegan restaurant based at Sunnyfields Farm Shop in Jacob's Gutter Lane in Totton.

The independent businesses has been based at the farm for more than three years and usually serves breakfast and lunch as well as a range of treats and cakes.

Peter Axworthy, owner of the restaurant, is being forced to look for a new venue for his business due to the sale of donuts.

Barker-Mill Estate - the landowner - has said that Offbeet food must leave its venue because the sale of donuts goes "against their core values".

Now, a fundraising page has been set up to raise £15,000 to help the business.

Nicole Thompson-Vassel, who set up the GoFundMe page, wrote: "Barker Mill Estate are evicting Offbeet, a small independent business with eight staff, stating that the way Offbeet's donuts have been marketed in recent weeks 'goes against our core values around health and wellbeing'.

"This eviction could not have come at a worse time, small businesses are under immense pressure to remain afloat during a global pandemic. Offbeet have six months to vacate the premises.

"Offbeet are now searching for a new premises which is likely to result in lost revenue and a potential loss of some of their dedicated and hard working staff.

"Offbeet is beloved by those who visit, the food and service are impeccable and it would be a huge loss for those who have built the business from the ground up, their staff and many fans.

"Please join us in raising funds to help take the financial pressure off of this business during this unforeseen upheaval."

Peter said: "We feel overwhelmed by the support of both customers and others who have heard of our situation. Our customer base is extremely supportive and caring.

"The fund me page will certainly help as there are many costs such as legal fees, deposits, van hire and installation costs that will take a huge chunk of our budget.

"But we are grateful for even the large amount of customers who have offered to help us pack or move our equipment."

A representative from Longdown Management Limited said: “We are constantly reviewing the occupiers across our premises to ensure they are aligned with our values. Whilst we recognise the doughnuts Offbeet sells are a luxury treat, the way they have been marketed in recent weeks goes against our core values around health and wellbeing.

“Offbeet have been asked to vacate the premises and have been given six months’ notice to enable them to relocate to suitable alternative premises.”