Maidstone’s only vegan business needs £50,000 to survive.

Fortify Café has established itself as one of the town’s most popular independent eateries since opening seven years ago.

It has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past four years and has even served Sir Paul McCartney.

But it needs a cash injection and has taken to crowdfunding website Indiegogo.

The cafe’s bid is split into three phases, with the first – securing a lease on its High Street premises – requiring £22,000. It hopes to revamp its front of house and kitchen areas to improve service and efficiency, costing £13,700, before redecorating, installing CCTV and revamping the exterior for £7,000.

For the first six years of its life Fortify only served vegetarian food but last March it made the move to providing vegan-only offerings.

Despite this Mr Hooper says it continues to appeal to foodies regardless of their dietary requirements.

Owner James Hooper also wants to offer cookery lessons, host pop up events and eventually expand across the country.

People can donate here and anyone who gives £50 or more and opts in to receive a perk will receive an exclusive mug or T-shirt.

The café has so far raised £2,000.