About Pizza pilgrims
Pizza Pilgrims: Serving the Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London and Oxford
Pizza Pilgrims is a popular pizza chain that has been serving the best Neapolitan pizza in central London and Oxford since 2011. The company was founded by brothers James and Thom Elliot, who quit their jobs to embark on a pilgrimage across Italy to learn about the art of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Their journey took them from Naples to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Milan, where they met with some of the most renowned pizzaiolos (pizza makers) in Italy. They learned about the history of pizza, its ingredients, techniques, and traditions. They also discovered that making great pizza requires passion, dedication, and attention to detail.
Inspired by their experience in Italy, James and Thom returned to London with a mission: to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK. They started by selling pizzas from a street food van at festivals and markets across London. Their pizzas were an instant hit with customers who appreciated their quality ingredients (imported from Italy), wood-fired ovens (built on top of their van), friendly service (with Italian music playing in the background), and affordable prices.
Encouraged by their success as street food vendors, James and Thom opened their first pizzeria in Soho in 2013. The restaurant was designed like an Italian trattoria with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, wooden chairs and tables covered with graffiti art created by customers using markers provided at each table.
The menu featured classic Neapolitan pizzas such as Margherita (tomato sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes grown on volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius; mozzarella di bufala campana DOP; fresh basil; extra-virgin olive oil), Marinara (tomato sauce; garlic; oregano; extra-virgin olive oil), and Nduja (tomato sauce; spicy Calabrian sausage; mozzarella di bufala campana DOP). The pizzas were cooked in a wood-fired oven at 450°C for 60-90 seconds, resulting in a crispy yet chewy crust, a soft and moist center, and a fragrant aroma.
The success of the Soho pizzeria led to the opening of more Pizza Pilgrims venues across London and Oxford. Each restaurant has its own unique style and atmosphere, but all share the same commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation.
For example, the Covent Garden pizzeria is located in an old chapel that has been converted into a quirky dining space with stained-glass windows, chandeliers made from pizza peels (the long wooden paddles used to slide pizzas into ovens), and an outdoor terrace overlooking Seven Dials. The menu features seasonal specials such as truffle pizza (white base made from fior di latte cheese; black truffle paste; fresh thyme; extra-virgin olive oil) or Nutella pizza (sweet dough topped with Nutella spread; chopped hazelnuts).
The Kingly Court pizzeria is located in a trendy courtyard off Carnaby Street that houses other independent restaurants and shops. The restaurant has an industrial-chic decor with exposed brick walls, metal chairs and tables, neon signs that spell out "Pizza" or "Love", and an open kitchen where customers can watch their pizzas being made. The menu features vegan options such as Marinara Vegan (tomato sauce; garlic; oregano) or Vegan Giardiniera (tomato sauce; roasted vegetables such as courgettes, peppers, onions).
The West India Quay pizzeria is located in Canary Wharf's waterfront development that offers stunning views of the Thames River. The restaurant has a nautical theme with blue-and-white tiles on the walls, ropes hanging from the ceiling, and a large mural of a ship. The menu features seafood options such as Frutti di Mare (tomato sauce; mixed seafood such as mussels, clams, squid) or Anchovy (tomato sauce; mozzarella di bufala campana DOP; anchovies).
Pizza Pilgrims also offers takeaway and delivery services for customers who prefer to enjoy their pizzas at home or office. The company has partnered with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to provide fast and reliable delivery across London and Oxford.
In addition to serving great pizza, Pizza Pilgrims is also committed to giving back to the community. The company has launched several initiatives to support local charities and causes such as homelessness, mental health awareness, or food waste reduction.
For example, Pizza for Good is a program that allows customers to donate £1 when they order online or in-store. The money goes directly to a charity chosen by Pizza Pilgrims each month. In 2020 alone, the program raised over £20k for various charities such as Crisis UK or Mind.
Another initiative is called Dough-nate Your Lunch which encourages customers to bring their own lunchbox when they order takeaway pizzas. In return for reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability, Pizza Pilgrims offers a free side dish (such as garlic bread) with every pizza ordered in a reusable container.
Overall, Pizza Pilgrims is more than just a pizza chain - it's a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the art of making authentic Neapolitan pizza while embracing innovation and social responsibility. Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner date with your partner in Soho or a quick lunch break in Canary Wharf or an outdoor picnic in Oxford's Port Meadow - Pizza Pilgrims has got you covered with its delicious pizzas made with love and passion!
pizzapilgrims.co.uk