A FORMER Bournemouth student and his friends are returning to the town later this month for the launch of their first UK Skinny Kitchen restaurant.

The healthy eating dining concept began in Ibiza in 2014, when David Mason and his three friends were looking for somewhere to eat that meant all their hard work in the gym before their summer holiday didn’t go to waste.

When they couldn’t find anywhere, they decided to set up their own business which immediately took off reaching number 1 on TripAdvisor.

Now they are opening their first UK venture in Post Office Road, in the former Longhorn Burgers restaurant, just opposite Pizza Express on March 21.

David, one of the partners, who studied in Bournemouth told the Echo why they were targeting the town:

“I moved away from Charminster in 2006 and haven’t stopped thinking about the fantastic summers, the great beaches and the fun I had down here.

“Bournemouth is a huge place, where people care about what they eat and how they feel - our brand allows them to eat out in a great restaurant setting without running the calorie gauntlet: so it’s a perfect match.”

The Skinny Kitchen menu takes conventional meals and attacks them with a waistline friendly approach.

David explained: “You want a burger and fries - how about lean steak mince and sweet potato chips?

From flaxseed waffles and protein bowls, to low carb pizzas and fresh pressed juices. There’snothing on the high street that does what we do and the way we do it.”

The Skinny Kitchen which is backed by investors in the Lineker’s and Ocean Beach Club brands, will be catering for breakfast, lunch and evening diners, as well as offering a take-away service.