A RESTAURANT which offers all kinds of international dishes and appeals to all ages has just opened its doors in Bolton.

The Passion Canopy is housed in the former Cross Guns public house on Deane Road and is the brainchild of owners Ahmad Raza and Arslan Bashir.

Both are highly experienced in the catering trade locally “but we had noticed that there were not very many restaurants catering well for families in the Bolton area,” explained Mr Raza.

“We wanted to open a venue that not only appealed to all tastes but also to different ages so families could come to dine.”

The result of this plan — and 12 months’ hard work transforming the 200 year-old listed building into a restaurant — is now evident in Passion Canopy.

“We called it that because people work for compulsion or passion – and we are passionate about food,” added Mr Raza.

The restaurant has 50 covers, employs 15 staff and its décor is open, modern and comfortable. The menu covers Indian, American, English and Continental dishes so, while diners can happily order a Seekh Kebab or Seafood Platter, there are also gourmet burgers, T-bone steak, Cajun chicken fillet and Chicken Linguine.

There are a variety of pizzas, created by an Italian chef – who lines up with a diverse range of specialist chefs.

“We want dining here to be an enjoyable experience,” stated Mr Raza. “We will have pizzas made in the traditional way and on show.”

It’s also offering “fried” ice-cream desserts. “But these are not like deep-fried Mars bars!” said Mr Raza. “They are very light with lots of toppings to choose from.”

Although the family restaurant does not serve alcohol it does offer a mocktails’ menu. It also pays special attention to children, not just with available highchairs and free colouring pictures with crayons but also in extra staff available when families book.

The restaurant owners have also worked closely with local businesses – SH Joinery, MA Plumbing and Heating Services and solicitor Waqas Anees from Taylor Price commercial lawyers. “We wanted to make this a special place,” stated Mr Raza.