Former pizza restaurant is now set to become a Jamaican Jerk takeaway

The Papa’z Pizzas outlet at 16 Silver Street has been given a new look and a new name following its closure in February last year after getting a zero food hygiene rating.

Now it has been given a revamp and looks set to be reopened soon as a ‘finger lickin’ Jamaican Jerk restaurant and takeaway offering Caribbean food.

The Wiltshire Times has tried to contact the owner for a comment on the new venture but the two numbers listed above the door are currently not accepting calls.

In October last year, a workman was pictured chipping away the old paintwork on the building following its closure in February 2023.

A worker was seen chipping away at paintwork at the former Papa’z Pizza outlet last October. Photo: Trevor Porter 70194-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

It was believed the premises were being prepared for the opening of another restaurant and fast-food takeaway business.

Now new signage has gone up over the front door and the Bath stonework on the front of the historic Grade II listed building has been cleaned.

The restaurant and takeaway is located in the town’s historic conservation area and the work on the frontage attracted criticism from the Trowbridge Civic Society.

Cllr Glyn Bridges, the chair of Trowbridge Civic Society, raised concerns about the work, saying: “It is absolutely dreadful.

"It was dreadful before they started chipping away the paint over the ashlar stones. What they are doing is ghastly.”

He reported the works – which appeared not to have been given planning consent – to Wiltshire Council’s conservation officer for possible enforcement action.

The historic Grade II listed building was first listed with Historic England in November 1976 but has since undergone several changes of identity.

The building was formerly known as Papa'z Pizzas for many years. Photo: Trevor Porter 69719-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Since June 2015, it had been known as Papa’z Pizzas, and had been painted a bright orange colour from ground level to just below the first-floor windows.

But on February 10 2023, Papa’z Pizza, which described itself as “one of the finest in town” was given a zero food hygiene score.

The fast-food restaurant and takeaway, which formerly sold chicken burgers, kebabs and chips, stayed closed after the inspector’s visit.

The Food Standards Agency said ''urgent' improvements were necessary for the hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage and food safety management.