A GROUP of local pie enthusiasts are launching a new shop in Bolton town centre.

Empieor is opening in the Vaults at Market Place, Bolton, today just in time for National Pie Week, starting March 2.

The small local business is launching a separate pie and mash kitchen, having established itself as part of Basic Kneads in Market Place, last year.

The firm is run by three friends, Paul Tait, Damien Daintry, and John Braizer, all from Bury, who have worked in hospitality for many years.

They describe themselves on their website as “just three guys with a love of all things food”.

“All we want is good food, good beer and some friends to share it with," they said.

The trio currently run the Basic Kneads restaurant in Market Place with Empieor an integral part of the menu.

The standalone Empieor unit is initially opening as a pop-up ­— however, they plan to make their pie shop a permanent fixture.

Mr Braizer described their intention is to “create some amazing and awe inspiring flavours that test the boundaries of what you can do in a pie”.

Mr Tait told The Bolton News that he has been making pies for years ­— with his grandmother’s 100-year-old recipe ­— initially selling them at events, such as festivals and large functions, with another company called Tait Modern.

However, he took a break from hospitality to concentrate on his family, until Mr Daintry contacted him asking if he would like to get back into the industry with himself and Mr Braizer - creating Basic Kneads in the market.

And a year later the pies are getting their own shop with Empieor.

Mr Tait said: "It’s all about using fresh ingredients and having a bit of fun with it, it needs to have its own shop.”

Empieor officially opens on February 28 in the Vaults.

For more information, follow Empieor on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website at empieor.co.uk.