Fresh fast-food chain Fresh Italy has announced plans to open up to six new outlets in the next 12 months. Founder and managing director Tom Allchurch said the group's fourth site was scheduled to open early next year.

The 100-seat outlet will be the chain's third City of London opening since the concept launched in July 2003.

Allchurch said the company was on the lookout for more sites and hoped to open a further two outlets in the first half of 2006 and another three during the second six months.

"We're getting a real foothold and reputation in the City, so it makes sense to stay there on that level, and in terms of management and distribution," he added.