The Begging Bowl smashes crowdfund target with hours left to go

The Peckham restaurant, a stalwart on the London Thai food scene, surpassed its target of £25,000, raising £25,016 from 213 backers.

The money raised from backers will go towards essential improvement works on the restaurant, which has not been refurbished since its launch six years ago.

Necessary works to be carried out include the installation of central heating; the purchase of new chairs and tables (the restaurant is known for having inconveniently small tables for sharing plates, described as “child’s school desks” in a review by Grace Dent); and the refurbishment of the bathroom.

The most expensive part of the 70-cover restaurant’s renovation will be the rebuilding and extending of the kitchen, which at present can only accommodate three chefs. Alty hopes to be able to extend the space to allow for more equipment that will allow for more menu experimentation.

The final part of the renovation will comprise a cocktail bar from which a new menu of drinks and bar snacks will be served.

"Our community, friends and family have been absolute stars and the amount of goodwill and support has been honestly humbling," says Alty.

"Connecting with our locals has been the absolute best, and I've been totally blown away by the unexpected support our restaurant has received from the hospitality industry. We can't wait to reopen and take The Begging Bowl to the next level."

While refurbishment works are carried out, the restaurant will hold a month long residency at Bach Café on Hoxton Street serving a condensed menu of its classic dishes including guinea fowl with black kale, pickled garlic and pennywort salad; turbot with ginger, sea vegetables, and aromatic broth; fermented shrimp with tiger prawn relish