A PROMINENT Hampshire restaurateur who suffered a near-collapse of all his businesses says he has paid back all debts to suppliers.

Miff Kayum told the Echo that all suppliers have been fully reimbursed after the collapse of Winchester businesses Bengal Sage, Kyoto Kitchen and the sale of Bangkok Brasserie.

Now he wants to take his “second chance” to rebuild his brand after humbling support from locals.

The Winchester-born restaurateur said without this backing, he may never have gotten back into the industry, to reopen Kyoto Kitchen.

“I received hundred of emails of support and that was extremely humbling. When I took the decision to close the businesses, it was very hard for me.

“Without the support I received, I may not have come back. I have been given a second chance.”

As reported by the Echo in April, Miff sold the lease of Bangkok Brasserie in Jewry Street. This money was used to pay back his suppliers.

Public records showed Bengal Sage and Kyoto Kitchen, which both went into liquidation, owed more than £170,000.

However, Mr Kayum has challenged these figures. “I felt upset that it had come out this way. We are contesting the figure with HMRC. It is not based on reality. We are investing to fight (the claim).”

Following the closure of Bangkok Brasserie, Miff admitted in a statement “I am a restaurateur and not a business man”.

The Jewry Street eatery was been taken over by Koh Thai Tapas, who he wished “the best of luck”. Koh Thai was due to open last night.

When asked if he had made any changes since the closures, he said: “The lessons we have learnt are when we need help – get the right help.

“Over the last few weeks we have been building a bigger team to add to the amazing team I already have.”

Speaking about only running Kyoto Kitchen, he added: “I feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do here. How did I do it will all three?

“However, I now have more time to spend with my family. It is all about finding that balance between work and home.”

Miff said he has a desire to make changes to Kyoto Kitchen, with the ambition of providing a more authentic Japanese eating experience.

The Winchester businessman has also enlisted the help of local wine experts Peter Richards and Susie Barrie to bring a different taste to the table.

He also want to turn the space above the restaurant into bedrooms, called Kyoto Rooms.

Mr Kayum’s brother Shah Abdul has taken on the lease at Bengal Sage and reopened a wholly separate business, called Manow.