A FORMER salesman is hoping to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to Bolton town centre with the launch of a new deli.

Stuart Jones quit his job in kitchen sales last August to look into a buying a business and has secured funding from Bolton Council to help realise his dream.

The Bolton Deli will open in Great Moor Street on Saturday and Mr Jones, aged 39, is hoping to offer the people of Bolton a taste of Spain and Italy — combined with flavours a bit closer to home.

Mr Jones said: “I was looking at buying a business last year but decided in the end that I really liked the idea of starting my own one.

“I looked at what I thought Bolton was missing and decided on the concept of a deli.”

He said the deli will offer a “huge” selection of sandwiches for town centre workers with both European and traditional flavours.

Mr Jones added: “We will have a traditional delicatessen side — which is of course very important to the business.

“I looked long and hard to source the right sort of speciality items from Spain and Italy, the main idea is to offer the people of Bolton something different for breakfast or lunch.

“We've also worked hard on getting the right look and atmosphere for the interior — it’s definitely warm and cosy and a great place to enjoy a quiet brew.”

The budding businessman read a story in The Bolton News in 2013 which announced that Bolton Council would offer grants up to £20,000 to help tempt businesses to set-up in the town centre.

Mr Jones said: “After reading about the grant scheme in The Bolton News I contacted the council.

“It’s been fairly easy to access, just very time consuming — but the council have been a great help.”

Mr Jones secured the full grant funding which helped pay for things like equipment, signage, interior decor, rent and rates.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “Increasing footfall, reducing vacancy rates and the number of people who are unemployed are key priorities for the council.

“ Bolton Deli is a new start-up business and it’s great that Stuart is taking on two people through the workshop.

“The new deli will be selling a range of authentic food, and coffee, and providing something a bit different to the public.”