Manchester loves a pizzeria and now another is on the way, looking to get a slice of the action! Having made a name for themselves in London, Neapolitan pizza specialists, Pizza Pilgrims, are now opening in Manchester this summer. Taking over the former site of La Viña tapas bar and restaurant on Deansgate, Pizza Pilgrims will open on August 18, marking their first pizzeria in Manchester.
The new Manchester pizzeria will feature 140 covers across a ground-floor and mezzanine dining space, plus a show-stopping blue ‘Fiat Panda Pop’ bar and an iconic portrait of Maradona created by Manchester-born artist and illustrator Stan Chow will adorn the restaurant’s walls. The pièce de résistance? A top-floor masterclass kitchen and chef’s table, which will offer a Dough It Yourself experience, led by Pizza Pilgrims’ experienced pizzaiolos.
Founders James and Thom Elliot said: “We’ve been looking to open a Pizza Pilgrims in Manchester for ages. This city is really special to us as we were both born in Manchester and raised in the local area, so it feels like we’re coming back to our roots. We’ve waited a long time for the right opportunity to present itself, as it’s such a cool, exciting, and individual place with such a unique energy. It’s not a place that you can just swagger into! We can’t wait to join the city’s amazing food community!”
The story behind Pizza Pilgrims
Pizza Pilgrims started in a pub in 2011 by brothers James and Thom Elliot when street food was just taking off in London and they wanted in on the trend but serving traditional, unbelievably delicious Neapolitan pizza. The brothers decided to fly to the toe-end of Italy, pick up a three-wheel Piaggio Ape van and drive the 4,500km back to London, stopping off along the way at all the best pizza destinations, now known as ‘The Pilgrimage’.
James and Thom brought their pizza-making skills back to London, serving pizza at London’ famed Berwick Street Market, before opening their first permanent Pizza Pilgrims pizzeria in Soho in 2013. Since then, they’ve gone onto having over 25 pizzerias across the UK, including Cardiff and Edinburgh.
The menu at Pizza Pilgrims Manchester
Launching with Pizza Pilgrims’ brand-new summer menu, alongside seasoned classics, diners can expect a flavour-packed line-up of dishes that spotlight the unbeatable ingredients of Napoli. The Amalfi Coast pizza sets the standard with Cetaran DOP anchovies, Piennolo tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, olives, capers, and basil.
There’s also the indulgent Principessa pizza, stacked with Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Piennolo di Vesuvio DOP tomatoes, 24-month Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala DOP, and extra virgin olive oil. As for the Burrata & Pesto pizza, this consists of creamy Puglian burrata, Genovese basil pesto, and sweet Piennolo tomatoes.
Alongside the new menu, diners can expect fan-favourites such as the Margherita, Salsiccia e Friarielli, and the sweet-and-spicy Double Pepperoni & Hot Honey, as well as the more infamous specialities: The 8 Cheese pizza and the Carbonara pizza with crunchy strands of al dente spaghetti.
Despite the name, it’s not all about pizza at Pizza Pilgrims. You can start your meal with the antipasti plate of wafer-thin, black pepper-smoked Napoli salami, or keep it fresh with the Burrata Caprese, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Cocktails are getting a glow-up too, including the Watermelon & Strawberry Daiquiri and the fiery Spicy Pineapple Margarita – because pineapple belongs in margaritas, not on margheritas (or do they?).
How to get free pizza slices and 50% off food and drink
Kicking things off in true Pizza Pilgrims’ style, the Manchester restaurant will be hosting a week-long soft launch from 11th to 17th August, featuring 50% off food and drinks and their pizza masterclasses – spots are limited, so book ahead here. Another date for the diary is also their infamous Slice Day, where 1,000 free pizza slices will be up for grabs from 12 pm on Wednesday 13th August.
Pizza Pilgrims Manchester officially opens on 18th August at 105 Deansgate, M3 2BQ.