Pizza pros prepare for national cook-off

Sixteen pizza purveyors have been chosen to compete in the much-anticipated 2021 National Pizza Awards.

The fifth instalment of the national event will see chefs from restaurants, pubs and pop-ups battle one another to see if their signature pizza has the power to be judged as the best in the UK.

This year’s line-up includes plant-based concept – and previous winner – Purezza, which will face the likes of high street brand Revolution Bars Group, critically-acclaimed Polpo and the latest venture from Pizza Pilgrims, Slice.

The live cook-off will be held on 22 November 2021 at the Islington Metal Works in London and will be overseen by a panel of industry judges. On the day, chefs will also face technical challenges using specific products for the chance to win other coveted titles including Pizza Chef of the Year.

“The dramatic rise of delivery and takeaway in the last 18 months has only served to increase the popularity of pizza across the UK, so there’s never been a more exciting time for this dish,” says Rosanna Spence, editor of Dine Out, the magazine which organises the awards.

“This year’s National Pizza Awards boasts our most impressive group of finalists yet, with previous winners returning to defend their titles, and some new faces to give them a run for their money. We can’t wait to fire up the ovens and celebrate these incredible businesses together – and for our finalists to enjoy the boost the awards will bring to their businesses.”

The latest chapter of the UK-wide search for the top pizzas on British menus is sponsored by Diversey, Lantmännen Unibake, Moth Drinks, Mutti, and Tabasco.

The 2021 finalists

Bath Pizza Co.
Spinaci (With a Cheeky Egg)

Canova Hall
Rock Star Margherita

Chapter Pizzeria
Pizza Fantasia

Cold Town House (Signature Pubs)
The Morningside

Crust Bros
Una Passeggiata in Foresta

Elliot’s
Taleggio, Brown Butter and Sage

Mama D’s Pizza
Zeus

Mike’s Peckham
Dondini

Nomad Pizza Whitstable
Quetzal

PizzaFace
Mogu Mogu

Polpo
Spinach, Soft Egg and Parmesan Pizzetta

Purezza
On The Seaside

Ralph’s Margate
Cavolo Nero

Revolution Bars Group
Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Slice by Pizza Pilgrims
Hawaii Not? (AKA The Converter)

The Big Dough Co.
Getting’ Chicky With It

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