England and Gloucester Rugby legend Phil Vickery is looking to expand his prestigious No. 3 Restaurant in Cheltenham at a time when the hospitality sector is reeling from the effects of the Covid crisis.

He's submitted plans to expand the Grade1-listed Royal Crescent premises from 40 places for diners to as many as 76.

It means a potential investment of more than £100,000 in upgrading the kitchen and a total spend of nearer £350,000.

The expansion would create a new glass box-like structure on the decking area at the rear of the building.

Phil told Punchline Gloucester: "We have submitted plans to expand which is fantastic in what's been a troubling year for everybody in all walks of life.

"Hospitality has taken a really big hit and will continue to face challenging times."

He said he had watched with joy as families had returned to dine at the restaurant, which sees itself as providing 'great food and a family feel'.

Additional space is also designed to position the restaurant as the place for meetings during the day, coffee and croissants and a click and collect takeaway service.

"There's no one prouder than me of our county. When I arrived here as a 19-year-old I fell in love with people's passion and sense of pride in where they live," he said.

In terms of staffing, the restaurant could go from employing five or six people to maybe between 15 and 18.

Phil added: "With everything that's going on at the moment, to be talking of employing people in these difficult times is something I feel extremely proud of."

David Jones, managing director for property and planning consultants Evans Jones, said: "We are delighted to be submitting this application to Cheltenham Borough Council for the expansion of No. 3 Restaurants. 

"It's great to see this fantastic restaurant thrive, especially despite the difficult conditions of the past 18 months and we're sure it will continue to contribute to Cheltenham's flourishing food scene."