Food: Pizza Pilgrims Nottingham

A pizza restaurant with a difference has landed in Nottingham’s trendy Hockley area.

I was invited along to see for myself the new restaurant Pizza Pilgrims. It was a damp and miserable day outdoors for the exclusive preview, but a vibrant welcome awaited us inside.

Retro wallpaper, fake ivy, colander lampshades, and a glittering disco ball in the shape of a three-wheeler Italian Piaggio Ape, a nod to the vehicle used by founders Thom and James Elliot who toured Italy in their quest for the perfect pizza.

The new restaurant, Pizza Pilgrims Nottingham is the latest in the successful duos chain, which includes London, Oxford, Cambridge and Brighton.

Prior to the official opening today (April 17), I was able to have a look around the new venue, and of course, sample the food.

Aperol Spritz flowed, as I took in the quirky decor. There’s a karaoke floor, and even a dressing up section, not to mention a disco in the loo! (No more running to the dance floor when your favourite track comes on)

Before we get on to pizza, we’ve got to talk about the nibbles. They have the tastiest bread sticks, and the starters we tried were very moreish. Mac and cheese balls made using a mountain of Grana Padano cheese and mozzarella and Artichokes Fritti, crispy fried Italian artichoke hearts, served with white truffle dip.

Our sample pizzas swiftly arrived to the table. First up was double pepperoni and spicy honey, a tasty combination with a kick.

We also tried a delicious mushroom and truffle pizza. A truffle ricotta base, loaded with chestnut mushrooms, flor di latte mozzarella, and Grand Padano.

The speciality is the Neapolitan pizza , but you will also find on the menu the Carbonara, one I definitely need to go back for.

Other toppings include spicy 'nduja sausage. Vegan and veggie options include Ve-Du-Ya, made with cashew-based vegan ‘Notzarella' and vegan 'nduja, and Pizz’ & Love with veggies and basil pesto. Gluten-free bases are also available, at no extra cost.

Pizza prices start at £9.95, making them competitively priced in the city.

You can even see them being made in the open kitchen, with head chef Andrea Vaccariello taking control of your feast.

If you’re familiar with the Nottingham food scene, you’ll know the new Pizza Pilgrims site as Edin’s. The old jewellers clock remains outside . Below it is now a seating area, for if we ever get that sun we’re promised. Pizza Pilgrims are no stranger to waiting however, after seeking a home in Nottingham for 5 years.

Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. Unlike me, who realised I’d left before trying the desserts.

Another reason to go back

Love Tx