A new pizza and dessert shop has opened in Basingstoke. 

Republic of Pizza and Desserts has opened on Winchester Street, taking over an empty unit previously occupied by Dragon Palace.

Inside the walls have been painted a bright blue, and there are funky pink booths to sit in. Glass cases show off the variety of ice cream and cake available to buy. 

As well as desserts, they also serve up pizza, burgers, chicken wings and fries. 

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Basingstoke Gazette:

The restaurant, which opened on January 19th, has already been hit with families according to business founder Ali Tahiri.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said: "It has been good, it is picking up and people love that we are up and running - it is going to be very busy with Valentine's Day coming up."

Mr Tahiri, who lives in Southampton, explained that Basingstoke was the next step for the business, which was founded in Sheffield, but opened branches in Winchester and Eastleigh a few years ago. 

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Basingstoke Gazette:

He added: "One people try food here, they all say it is unbelievable and reasonably priced. With the current economic situation everyone is in, that is why we keep our price as fair as possible so families can keep coming here." 

Republic of Pizza and Desserts is available for delivery on apps such as Deliveroo or JustEat, or customers can eat in. 

They are also offering free cake for anyone who purchases a coffee.