Bristol’s pioneering pie firm Pieminister has finally opened in Birmingham after several years searching the second city for a site suitable for its first West Midlands outlet.
The fast-growing gourmet pie maker has acquired a 1,300 sq ft unit in Waterloo Street, which will become its 13th restaurant. The unit has an additional 800 sq ft of preparation space on its first floor.
The search is now on for a further six outlets by the end of next year as Pieminister looks to expand its portfolio to 30 by 2020.
Bristol property agents Williams Gunter Hardwick are managing the acquisitions for Pieminister. Director Stuart Williams said the new Birmingham site was the perfect location for the Pieminister’s unique offer.
“This is a great centre for quality cuisine with good footfall, close to the shops and perfectly located between New Street and the office sector,” he said.
Williams Gunter Hardwick is now actively seeking opportunities in other long-term target locations, including Bath, Edinburgh, Glasgow (city centre and the Byres Road area), Newcastle, Liverpool and Sheffield.
The agents are also looking for further locations in London – such as Brixton, Clapham, Earls Court and Tooting – together with second units in Leeds and Manchester, where the current restaurants are trading well.
Other towns and smaller sites will also be considered, with units offering between 700 sq ft and 3,000 sq ft a possibility – although for smaller spaces, an ancillary area either above or below will be required.
Pieminister managing director and co-founder Jonathan Simon said the company’s success was partly down to matching each new venue to its location.
“We design each new premises in-house, tailoring our distinct ‘look’ to fit in with the surroundings and style of the building,” he said.
“Going to eat at Pieminister is not just about enjoying a great pie at a sensible price. It’s now far more of a destination venue for friends to meet and eat together.”
Since opening its first outlet in Bristol’s Stokes Croft in 2003, Pieminister has gained a national reputation for its range of pies and sides – including mash, gravy and mushy peas – as well as snacks, served with craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
The firm also supplies more than 80 pubs a week around the UK with its pies to – all of which are made with ethically sourced ingredients – as well as a number of major supermarkets.
The company has collected a host of awards for the quality and taste of its products as well as for their commitment to high animal welfare when sourcing ingredients.
Pictured: Pieminister co-founders Jon Simon, left, and Tristan Hogg at the new Birmingham venue
