BURGER chain Solita is set to open its biggest restaurant yet after it agreed to buy a site owned by Bolton celebrity chef Paul Heathcote.

The trendy outlet run by Bolton businessman Franco Sotgiu and his business partner Simon Pogson is expanding after purchasing The Olive Press and Heathcote's Brasserie in Preston.

Michelin starred chef Mr Heathcote, who was born in Farnworth and is the official caterer at Bolton Whites Hotel, says the deal represents a new challenge, and the chance to expand his outside events and contracts business.

Solita plan to merge the two premises to form one larger outlet, which will become the firm's biggest chain.

It currently has restaurants in Prestwich, Manchester city centre and Didsbury.

Plans for a second restaurant in Prestwich were previously revealed by The Bolton News sister paper, the Bury Times.

The site is set to feature wood fired pizza and craft beer concept which will open in the autumn.

Work will start on a major refurbishment of the Preston site next month, to provide a new bar area, private dining rooms, new kitchens and a bespoke meat ageing room.

Mr Sotgiu said: "We've been keen to expand North and Preston has always been one of our target cities, when Paul asked us if we'd be interested in the site we did the deal in a matter of days.

"We feel Preston has massive potential and are keen to bring our style of exciting food there."

Solita also previously announced it had acquired Montpellier's bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter, and a project to create a Solita Steakhouse in Manchester's Barton Arcade this summer.

Mr Heathcote, who received an MBE from the Queen in 2009, first opened the restaurant in May 1995.

He said: "I have known the owner for a long time, it's been an easy conversation and I am confident they will bring something new and exciting to Preston.

"On a personal basis I have my own plans with the expansion of our outside events and contracts — it is time for me to do something different.

"I know there will be a short period of time for a makeover to the establishment and I look forward to coming back as a customer."

Mr Heathcote said the majority of staff at his restaurant will be offered alternative work at his firm Heathcote & Co.