It’s that time of year again when we celebrate all things dough, and I’m not talking about money. The National Pizza Awards has announced their list of finalists competing to take home the crown at this year’s ceremony.

In their sixth chapter of the reputed event chefs from restaurants, street food stalls and pop-ups go head-to-head to see which brand’s signature pizza is named the best in the UK. The live final is due to take place November 9 at Islington Metalworks where a whole host of challenges will take place.

First the contenders will have to make their signature pizzas (see listed below), as well as compete in a technical challenge using a specific selection of ingredients to make a dish with the potential to win them the National Pizza Chef of the Year title. This year’s awards will also include a meat-free round, sponsored by former champion Purezza.

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Yard Sale Pizza's YSP x Mangal II (The First Iteration) is through to the live final

London’s homegrown talent includes Bad Boy Pizza Society, who recently announced their next residency at the National Theatre; Liverpool Street’s Italian giant Eataly, Santa Maria, Yard Sale Pizza, and Zia Lucia. They’re going up against Bath Pizza Co from Bath; Civerinos, Edinburgh; Crazy Pedro’s and Rudy’s Pizza, Manchester; Fatto A Mano and Pizzaface from Brighton; Playhouse from Northampton; Glasgow’s Pizza Punks; Village Pizza Kitchen, Hassocks; and two national chains - Gusto Italian and Zizzi.

Zizzi is being represented on the day with a pizza created by rapper-turned-chef Big Zuu, ‘Big Zuu’s Zillionaire Rustica’. Genna Ash-Brown, Editor of Dine Out magazine, who organises the annual event said: “The calibre of entries for the National Pizza Awards 2022 was so high that it made our job of selecting finalists more than a little tricky.

“But this year’s line-up genuinely is our best yet. The finalists are preparing for battle as we get ready to fire up the ovens and count down the days until we showcase the very best pizza creations the industry has to offer. This is an event you won’t want to miss!”

Italian giant Eataly are also through

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National Pizza Awards finalists 2022:

  • Bad Boy Pizza Society, London - Grandma Pie
  • Bath Pizza Co, Bath - Tiger Margherita
  • Civerinos, Edinburgh - Pesto I Ever Had
  • Crazy Pedro’s, Manchester - Fried Chicken & Waffle
  • Eataly, London - Pizza Alla Pala Crostino
  • Fatto A Mano, Brighton - Guanciale Carbonara
  • Gusto Italian, National - ’Nduja, Mascarpone and Honey
  • Playhouse, Northampton - Pitsford Bee Sting
  • Pizza Punks, Glasgow - Punk Cubano
  • Pizzaface, Brighton - ’Nduja Wanna
  • Rudy’s Pizza, Manchester - Francesco Pizza
  • Santa Maria, London - ‘Special One’
  • Village Pizza Kitchen, Hassocks - Game Changer
  • Yard Sale Pizza, London - YSP x Mangal II (The First Iteration)
  • Zia Lucia, London - Arianna Rivisitata
  • Zizzi, National - Big Zuu’s Zillionaire Rustica

The National Pizza Awards is sponsored by Arla Pro, Birra Moretti, Britvic Sensational Drinks, Fleet Street Communications, J2O Spritz, Jestic, Mutti, Purezza, Speciality Breads and Tabasco.

For more information, visit here.

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