Pizza of the Year found in Bristol bar

An independent bar, restaurant and microbrewery in Bristol has been deemed to be serving up the finest pizzas in the country, after claiming the top prize at the National Pizza Awards 2023. 

Zerodegrees, which has sister venues in Blackheath, Cardiff and Reading, impressed industry judges at the UK-wide event with a signature dish called the ‘Cinghiale’, featuring fior di latte cheese, wild boar salami, ‘Nduja, roquito pepper, parmesan, tomato sauce and fresh basil. 

The pizza, cooked by chef David Hartai (pictured), saw off competition from 15 brands found all over the country. The full list of finalists can be found below.  

“I’m completely shocked,” says Hartai. “I was confident in my pizza, but the competition was really strong. I managed to win by putting all the effort I could into this competition. I’m very proud to be the winner.”

Winners from Palms Pizzeria, Zerodegrees and Pizzarova

The National Pizza Awards also crowned the Pizza Chef of the Year, which went to Joshua Ward of Palms Pizzeria in Margate. Ward came top in the Technical round, which challenged finalists to put together the ultimate pizza using a range of sponsor products. Ward also took home the Bloggers’ Choice Award, chosen by hospitality influencers.

The Plant-Based Pizza of the Year title was also up for grabs and went to Raphael Persighetti of Bristol’s Pizzarova. 

Hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, the National Pizza Awards 2023 was headline sponsored by Birrificio Angelo Poretti, and sponsored by Cooks & CO, Fleet Street Communications, Häagen-Dazs, Jestic Foodservice Solutions, Purezzza, Salvo, Suntory, TABASCO® and Tugo.

The 2023 National Pizza Awards finalists

• Bath Pizza Co, Bath – The G.O.A.T
• Dodo Pub Co, Oxford – Sloppy Napoli
• Franco Manca, London – Finta Diavola
• Homeslice, London – Wagyu
• Mamma Dough, London – John ‘O’ Goat
• Palms Pizzeria, Margate – Pepperoni, Stracciatella, Hot Honey, Basil & Cracked Pepper
• Piccolino, Stockport – Wrong Marinare
• Pizza Pilgrims, London – Pizza Pilgrims Chef Competition Champion
• Pizza Punks, Glasgow – Friday Night Curry
• Pizzarova, Bristol – Courgette, Goat’s Cheese, Jalapeño Jam, Garlic Oil
• SALT Deptford, London – Oh, Honey!
• Slice Shop at Playhouse Bars, Northampton – Dr Pepper BBQ Pizza
• Voodoo Ray’s, London – 22-inch Margherita
• Wells & Co, The Old White Horse, Baldock – The Nutty Professor
• Zerodegrees, Bristol – Chingiale
• Zia Lucia, London – Porky Slowdown

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