A new business will open its doors in City of Wolverhampton's Queen Square this weekend.

Type=image;ImageID=16052;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Proprietor Tony Wortley and Councillor Peter Bilson;TitleClass=strong;

Type=image;ImageID=16051;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Outside Tony's Delicatessen;TitleClass=strong;

Tony's Delicatessen has taken over as a tenant of the council owned building that formerly housed Yoo Recruit - the council's recruitment agency that is now located on Cleveland Street.

The new store at No.19 will employ 4 staff, all from the City of Wolverhampton.

It will be following in the footsteps of George Hill & Sons - a similar style store established in the exact same location 200 years ago.

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, will officially open Tony's Delicatessen on Saturday, at 10am.

Customers will be able to buy the very best locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, oils, olives, relishes, jams, marmalades and wines.

Freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, rolls and wraps will be on offer, along with speciality soft drinks, artisan teas and coffees from around the world.

Tastings will also be a regular feature of the new store, with local makers being invited to demonstrate their goodies and explain why their products are better than their mass produced equivalents.

Proprietor, Tony Wortley, said: "The whole idea started 6 years ago when we had a cheese festival at my local pub, where the customers were challenged to hunt down the best artisan cheeses. 

"After we all travelled around the near counties to find these cheeses we all agreed that it was a shame that it was not possible to do this in Wolverhampton.

"On receiving the keys from our landlords, the council, it has been a 4 week process to opening up the delicatessen - thanks in no small part to the support and guidance received from the council."

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, added: "We very much value the presence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) like this and the creative people behind them.

"These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character.

"I am delighted the council has played a part in helping Tony open up this delicatessen and I would urge people to pop in and take a look at the fantastic selection of products he has to offer."

  • released: Wednesday 1 August, 2018