AN ‘upmarket’ pizza place is set to open in Worcester.

Adam Giagnotti, owner of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar, is opening a pizzeria in St Swithin’s Street, which will replace the former sandwich bar, Petifrance.

Adam Giagnotti says the pizzeria will be a separate restaurant and is inspired by his Italian background.

Mr Giagnotti, aged 38, said: “Everything is going to be Italian here, because the family is Italian.

“I have always wanted to do something Italian. This might be on the verge of being too Italian, just because I have always wanted to do that sort of thing.

“It’s going to be an upmarket pizza place. We want to be unique here.”

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Mr Giagnotti said he hopes to introduce a theatrical element to the restaurant, as customers will be able to sit and watch the pizzas being made.

He added: “I have always enjoyed the aspect of people watching. It’s like the cocktail era now – all they are doing is shaking it. It’s the same with pizzas – all we are doing is rolling the dough up – people love to see that.”

At the age of 14, Mr Giagnotti worked for Foregate Street's Italian restaurant, Valentinos for 16 years. He started off washing up and then eventually learnt how to make pizzas.

As well as pizza and pasta, the eatery will also serve Gelato, garlic bread, fresh coffee and alcohol.

The restaurant will be hiring five members of staff to join the team.

Mr Giagnotti bought the venue on December 19 last year and said he aims to open the pizzeria on April 2, as that is when The Olive Branch, in Church Street, opened its doors eight years ago.

He said: “We want to open the same day, just for a bit of good luck. We are going to get the customers involved in choosing a name.

“I was always intrigued by our stock room and what was behind the wall. When I was talking to the gentlemen who ran the shop before, I told him I would be interested to do something with the building. The space is huge and we will use all this space for two restaurants.”