Bristol-based gourmet pie company Pieminister’s appetite for growth outside its West of England heartland continues with the announcement of its 10th outlet – this time in Nottingham.
The firm, launched in Stokes Croft in 2003, has ambitious plans to triple its number of restaurants to 30 by 2020.
Other targets cities include Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Liverpool, as well as more locations in London – such as Brixton, Clapham, Earls Court and Tooting.
The firm was represented by Williams Gunter Hardwick in the acquisition of the 3,186 sq ft (295 sq m) Nottingham city centre unit, which was occupied by Boots until 12 months ago.
The prime location is close to Nottingham’s Market Square and in the heart of the city’s dining offer.
Strip-out works on the listed building have already started and the company plans to open the restaurant in mid-January 2016.
William Gunter Hardwick director Stuart Williams said: “Pieminister is offering something unique to every new location. Yes, they serve up some great food which pulls in the customers, but if you compare their different restaurants you’ll see that each new premises is designed differently and to fit seamlessly into the locale.
“They even vary the menu to take account of local tastes. It’s hardly surprising that each new outlet they’ve opened has exceeded initial turnover targets.
“You don’t get the sense of yet another brand imposing itself on the high street, and I think that’s an interesting approach that other big names could learn from at a time when our society is consciously moving away from conformity.”
Pieminister is continuing to seek ground floor premises of 1,800-4,000 sq ft on its target list of 20-plus locations. The next outlet is likely to be in Liverpool and options are also being investigated in Brixton and Edinburgh among others. It already operates in Bristol and London – with two outlets in each – Leeds, Oxford, Manchester, Cardiff and Trentham, near Stoke-on-Trent.
Pieminister has a national reputation for its range of award-winning pies, sides and snacks, served with craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
The company also has a strong commitment to high animal welfare when sourcing ingredients.
Pictured, from left: Pieminister co-founders Tristan Hogg and Jon Simon
