STAR readers have reacted to the news that the Pimbletts brand is returning to St Helens.
The Star reported last week that Ryan Little had taken over the Pimmies Pies firm, which was launched 12 years ago, following the closure of the 87-year-old famous Pimbletts.
Based at Jackson Street, the firm had been named after the nickname given to the local favourite delicacies.
Now 26-year-old Ryan Little has taken over to carry the mantle and has set out his ambitions for the future.
As well as continuing to produce those well-known peppery pies, Ryan says he has got the trademark to use the original Pimbletts name and hopes to revive the brand's presence in the town.
Ryan Little
Aware of the resonance of the Pimbletts brand, Ryan says he hopes to also bring a shop to the town centre in future.
Star readers have wished the venture good luck and expressed hope that the famous peppery taste will be returning.
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One reader said: "Nice one to this young man. I was heartbroken when Pimbletts shut down. Best of luck to you, not that you need it".
Another added: "Good luck. Personally I didn't mind the Pimmies pies version. Hopefully you get a shop in the town centre. Would be nice to have reason to go into the centre for a few mins".
On social media, Will Apspey said: "If he brings back 1990 s style pepper meat and spud ill be dancing all the way down to your shop".
Steph Sheridan wrote: "I hope they do. Myself and my family loved them pies. Use to get them every week. Loved the meat and potato and the steak. Use to get the rathbones ice buns with the pink icing on too. Pimbletts and rathbones was brilliant. The good old days".
Pimbletts
Ryan said to the Star last week: "My plan is to get it in the town centre again.
"While it still will be producing the pies at the same warehouse factory, you want to try and get some shops back in the town centre and recreate it as it was.
"That's the aim, it has been done in the past, it will take a few years."
Ryan's background is in property, having the Little Estate Agents on Bridge Street.
He has eight members of staff at the Jackson Street base.
"The main focus over the next six months is to get the custom up and running and get a unit back in the town centre," he added.
"It is what St Helens was known for really, and I'm excited about it. They are still a quality produce but people maybe don't know about it.
"The quality of the produce is still really good."
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