The boss of one of the most popular pizza outlets in Southport is enjoying a busy February half Term as he looks ahead to some exciting changes as the days get warmer in the weeks ahead.
Dan Johnstone created 600 Degrees as a mobile pizza service in 2017 before it became one of the original outlets in Southport Market when the venue opened in 2021 following a £1.4 million transformation into an impressive new food, drink and events venue.
In December 2023 his success in Southport Market meant he was encouraged to expand with a new restaurant and takeaway on Sandon Road in Hillside.
Dan is well positioned with both outlets. Extensive building work is currently happening on the roads in Southport Market Quarter, with the aim of creating a more attractive environment and attracting more visitors.
Hillside is an area that continues to develop with some exciting new businesses and improvements to the area thanks to the Hillside Improvements Team.
Dan said: “It’s great to be in February Half Term! It’s a really busy time at both Southport Market and at Hillside.
“We’re enjoying seeing lots of families coming in.
“Building work is happening outside Southport Market, but we’re all open inside, in addition to all the local businesses outside the Market too.
“This area is going to look fabulous when the work is all finished. They’re progressing really well with it.
“It’s great to see families coming back to Hillside too. We are becoming really popular with people ordering and collecting pizza, and we are also now doing deliveries within a mile and a half of Sandon Road.
“We also have a lovely dining area. People can come and sit inside for meals, or for drinks.
“We are in the process of revamping our menu, with some new starters available such as arancini, and meatballs, plus some new pizzas.
“We have a great selection of drinks, including our cocktails, and people can call in for a drink with us.
“We can’t wait for the days to get warmer, when we’ll be able to welcome people at our expanded outside seating area.
“Hillside is a lovely place to be now with places to come for food and drink including ourselves, The Grasshopper and The Pines.”
Dan is keen to let people know that his venue in Hillside is fully open once again after a spate of vandalism last year.
He said: “As a small independent family-run business, it was difficult to see the vandalism we suffered in Hillside last year.
“Merseyside Police became involved and we would like to thank them for their support.
“”The past nine months have been very challenging but we are enjoying being able to look forward again now.
“I have no idea why we were targeted.
“But we are looking forward now to a really good year ahead.”
600 Degrees, famous for the finest Neapolitan pizza, opened in Hillside Village just before Christmas in 2023 after impressing diners at its first venue, inside Southport Market.
Dan Johnstone and his team have since been developing their menu and their offering for customers, including installing an outdoor area for diners.
600 Degrees was launched when Dan and his wife went to the Amalfi coast of Italy on their honeymoon, also spending time in Naples, the home of Neapolitan Pizza.
Dan Johnstone said: “The response since opening in Hillside has been fantastic, people have been really positive.
“We have built up a really big following since we opened at Southport Market and customers are delighted they now have the choice to come here too.”
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