A PLAN to open a new ‘upmarket’ pizzeria in the city looks set to be approved when councillors meet later this week.

Adam Giagnotti, owner of The Olive Branch in St Swithin’s Street, put forward plans to convert former sandwich bar Petifrance, also in St Swithin’s Street, into a pizzeria in February.

Worcester City Council’s planning officers have recommended the plan is given the go ahead when the council’s planning committee meets on Thursday (May 21).

The restaurant would not only specialise in pizza but serve pasta, gelato and fresh coffee. Customers will also be able to watch the pizza being made.

The opening of the pizzeria will bring five new jobs, said Mr Giagnotti.

A number of conversions would be made to the ground floor of the three-storey grade II-listed building - including a new staircase and toilets - with the first floor remaining as storage space.

No work would be carried out to the upper two floors.

Mr Giagnotti, who bought the former sandwich shop in December last year, said he wanted to celebrate his family’s Italian roots with the pizzeria.

“Everything is going to be Italian here, because the family is Italian,” he said.

“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.”

Worcester City Council’s planning committee meets virtually from 1.30pm on Thursday.