Owner's of popular cocktail bar and pizza outlet announce 'it's time for a new adventure'

A new restaurant is planned in a space formerly occupied by a cocktail bar and pizza outlet. The plans are for the area above the Fireaway pizza restaurant on Market Street, Westhoughton formerly occupied by the Italian Loft, a function room and cocktail bar which also sold pizzas In association with Fireaway.

Earlier this year, the operator of the Italian Loft, Danny McGuire announced on the bar’s Facebook page that ‘it’s time for a new adventure for myself and the family, so the cocktail bar has to go’.

The planning application, on behalf of applicant Mr M Oliver, seeks to convert an adjoining building Wood Street which used to operate as the Wobbly Cow restaurant, to extend the seating area. The plans include a new shop front on Market Street to provide access for a restaurant on the upper floor and ground floor of the unit and the conversion of the property on Wood Street into a restaurant.

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The two buildings are connected by an enclosed first floor walkway. A design and access report in support of the plans, said: “The proposal would provide good number of internal seating areas for patrons to enjoy hot cooked food, especially for shoppers, while also providing a new food outlet service for the local community.

“We intend to provide much needed economic boost to the area and also provide the employment of extra staff from the community.” The property enjoys a prime location in Westhoughton town centre, directly opposite the town’s market hall.

Neighbours on Wood Street and Market Street can comment on the plans until Thursday November 16.