The owners of a popular town centre restaurant are getting national attention after being featured on a popular BBC comedy sitcom.

Bolton-based comedy sitcom, Alma’s Not Normal, returned to TV screens for the second season last month and stars Bolton's own Sophie Willan, which is inspired by her experiences growing up in the town.

It features familiar sights and businesses, including Tapaz on Bradshawgate, with the staff delighted with the TV appearance.

(Image: BBC) The BAFTA award-winning actress was spotted filming in and around Bolton, including the Green Machine bike shop in Horwich.

Tapaz Restaurant and Bar has been located at 33 Bradshawgate in Bolton for the past nine years. Manager, Diogo Soares was working the floor when a lone visitor came in to visit.

(Image: Diogo Soares) Mr Soares said: “About a year ago, a man came into the restaurant and asked for a table of one. He was looking around and he said he liked the look of the restaurant.

“He revealed he was a producer from the BBC and was looking for local places in and around Bolton for the comedy sitcom, Alma’s Not Normal.

READ MORE:

Horwich Alpaca Centre to receive planning permission verdict.

BT Openreach apology to Westhoughton customers for network damage

Edgworth: Firefighters rescue woman from house fire

“He took lots of pictures of the place and returned later that day alongside the director of the series. The two took pictures of the restaurant to see what it would look like on screen, viewing potential camera angles and looking around.

(Image: Diogo Soares) “They told me that it would work, and I was delighted to have the place feature, one month later filming for Alma’s Not Normal began at the site. This was last November. The filming at the restaurant lasted over the course of one day.”

(Image: BBC) Although the show was filmed almost a year ago, Diogo and the restaurant staff couldn’t share details of the filming until after the programme had been broadcasted.

Diogo added: “In the series, they look around the restaurant and talk about how Bolton has changed for the better, which was a great compliment.

(Image: BBC) “We’ve had visitors since the show aired too, customers have come into the place and said, ‘it's because we saw you on Alma’s Not Normal’ – it’s been good for business.”

“People have found us on social media and are excited to come and try the food, it’s gone well and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

(Image: BBC) “The Bradshawgate high street has quietened down a lot in the past few years, it’s good to feature on the series to inject some life back into it.”

Alma’s Not Normal is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk