A NEW fusion food cafe has opened its doors in Bolton Market Place serving classic dishes with a sunny Mediterranean twist.

Basic Kneads launched this week and is located in the site of the former Mezzo cafe on the Market Place’s first floor.

The cafe serves an enticing menu of British staples influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, including Souther European takes on fish and chips, pies and fish cakes.

It has been opened by three friends Damian Daintry, Paul Tait and John Brazier who have worked in the catering industry for many decades.

The trio also own a number of “spin-off” food companies which will add to the cafe’s repertoire and services ­— including a range of handmade pies called Empieor and a catering division for small and large scale events.

Mr Daintry said: “Basic Kneads is all about community, locally sourced produce and wholesome food.”

He added: “We are just a group of friends and local lads. I have been in the catering business since I was 15, and Paul likewise since he was 16. We went to catering college and trained together.

“We have catering in our blood and we can’t get away from it.”

The cafe is now building up a growing list of suppliers of local produce and partnerships for their food and drinks.

They have also teamed up with a Greater Manchester brewery to create beer pairings for their pies and dishes.

In the next few weeks the trio have said they plan to get underway on giving the cafe a complete makeover, including updating the decor and expanding the seated eating area.

They are also looking to extend opening hours into the evening to create a cocktail bar.

Although they are the newest addition to Bolton’s thriving 164-year-old Market Place Mr Daintry said Basic Kneads has also be heartily welcomed by shoppers and diners.

He said: “The response has been great and people are really welcoming and really nice.

“We are trying to move away from cafe culture and give people the same food but tastier and fresher.”

Mr Tait added: “We are trying to build a local community here.”

Basic Kneads is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Fore more information visit www.empieor.co.uk.