TWO new additions to Ramsbottom’s high street are set to open this summer.

A gin bar is expected to open in the former site of Yummy Chinese Takeaway, in Bridge Street, while a ladies fashion boutique will open around the corner in Bolton Street, replacing Topping Butchers.

Vanessa Smith, who is opening Signature Bar, along with her son, says she hopes to be able to open the doors to the public by the end of June.

The former takeaway is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment. Once completed, it will offer gin lovers a wide range of brands of the popular spirit and bar food.

Ms Smith said: “I go to Ramsbottom with my friends and I think it is an up and coming place. It’s a really good place to go out. I don’t drink myself, but quite a lot of my friends drink gin so I thought I would go for it.”

Meanwhile, Off the Rails will replace Toppings, which closed in January after 90 years of trading. The shop’s new owner, Sally Entwistle, says she aims to sell high-end clothing and shoes.

It is a new venture for the former beautician, who lives in Bromley Cross, and she is hopeful it will prove to be a fruitful one.

She said: “I’ve always been passionate about fashion. I’ve been off work with my little boy who is two and this was a perfect opportunity for me.”

The shop has undergone an extensive renovation, including new floors and walls being installed over the past few months.

Ms Entwistle added: “Tom who used to have the shop has been brilliant.

“Nothing has been done with the building for years so we have had to take the floor up and rip the walls out. It has been a huge project. The building has a lot of history and I just want to do it proud.”

The building work is expected to be completed by mid May, after which the shop will be refitted before the anticipated opening in August.

“It is nice to put something back into Ramsbottom,” said Ms Entwistle.

“It is such a pretty, busy, bustling place with everything going on. It is the perfect place for this. I’m really excited about the business, I’m putting all my personality into it. It’s been my dream for years and I can’t wait to bring something new to the town.”