IT'S a Southampton institution and it's back in business from next week.

7Bone Burger Company will be reopening for takeaway and delivery on Tuesday so burger lovers can satisfy their fix.

The original 7Bone eatery in Portswood High Street, along with five other branches of the independent chain, will open at 5pm, serving their American comfort food classics to those in lockdown across the South.

A post on social media read: "Been craving your 7B fix? Guess who's back!"

Strict measures will be in place to comply with government guidelines and ensure social distancing.

7Bone closed on Sunday March 29 as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic worsened, but restaurant bosses promised to see their loyal customers soon.

Co-founded by Matt Mollicone and Rich Zammit in their home city back in 2014, 7 Bone is an edgy burger restaurant based on the stripped back vibe of various Shoreditch eateries.

The 'dirty' burger specialist featured on The Restaurant Man on BBC TV when restaurateur Russell Norman gave advice to the newcomers to the industry.

The chain now employs hundreds of people and has branches in Bournemouth, Camberley, Eastbourne, Hove, Newbury, Northampton, Portsmouth and Reading. Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Camberley, Reading and Newbury will also reopen on Tuesday.

Burger lovers are already rejoicing at the news on social media with one saying 'all our dreams have come true' and another describing 7Bone as 'the cure for coronavirus'.

The 7Bone menu includes delicious dry aged beef burgers on a jovial theme including the Prince Charles is Overrated, the Robert Johnston and The Donnie J Trump, alongside hot dogs, fries and sides. There are vegan, dessert and junior menus, as well as drinks offerings of milkshakes, cocktails and craft beers.