Fatto a Mano plots further expansion following Middleton investment

The Brighton & Hove-based restaurant group currently operates three sites in the seaside city as well as two outposts in London and has an ambition to open ‘many more sites’ over the next five years.

Explaining its decision to invest in the pizza group, Middleton said: “We believe Fatto a Mano delivers amazing Neapolitan pizza with best-in-class all-round service. We are incredibly impressed with the quality of pizza, service, site design and overall experience they offer while still remaining affordable.

“We believe that while the restaurant environment becomes more challenging to operate, the team will be able to continuously deliver at an affordable price-point while others in the category may look to compromise on ingredients, staff conditions and site quality.

“There’s a genuine dedication to using quality ingredients from Campania and UK independent suppliers and the team’s ability in quality casual dining, including their special team culture, gives us real excitement for the future.”

Founded by Rupert Davidson, Fatto a Mano – which means 'made by hand' – opened its first restaurant on London Road in Brighton back in 2015. It went on to open a second site in Hove in 2016, and a third in Brighton’s North Laine in 2018.

The group expanded to London in 2022 with the launch of Fatto Pizza & Beer, which focused directly on pairing pizza with craft beer.

It’s second London site, located in Covent Garden, opened late last year​​.

Davidson also runs Brighton café Bread & Milk, and is a director at Unbarred Brewery.

Middleton is a family office investment firm whose portfolio also includes QSR concept SushiDog and fitness group OneGym.