16 of the UK’s finest pizzaiolos are headed for the capital in November, set to face off in a live cooking showdown at the National Pizza Awards final.
Back for a ninth edition, this year’s exceptional line-up features an eclectic mix of rising stars and well-known groups from across the restaurant, pub, bar and street food sectors.
The event will see up-and-coming indies like ACE Pizza and Base Face Pizza compete against fan favourites such as Yard Sale and Pizza Pilgrims, with Fulham Shore’s Super Club Roma and Individual Restaurants’ brand-new pizza concept, Forbici, also stepping into the ring. The full list of finalists can be found below.
As well as a signature round to determine the National Pizza of the Year, competitors will take part in a technical challenge, tasked with crafting the ultimate pizza from a selection of sponsor ingredients in a bid to be named Pizza Chef of the Year. The event will also see the return of the Alternative Slice Award, granted to the competitor who creates the most outstanding plant-based dish from a range of free-from products.
The competition returns to London’s Big Penny Social on Tuesday, 4 November. Following a full day of action, winners will be chosen by a hand-picked panel of expert judges, culminating in an awards ceremony later that night.
“The standard of this year’s entries has resulted in our most exciting line-up yet, standing as a true reflection of the calibre of the UK’s thriving pizza market,” says Genna Ash-Brown, editor of Dine Out magazine, which organises the event.
“The diversity of the brands taking part will certainly make for a colourful live cook-off, and we’ll be on the edge of our seats as we wait to find out this year’s Big Cheese. It’s always a highlight of our calendar and a big day for the industry, too. We’ll get the ovens fired up and roaring and look forward to seeing you there!”
The 2025 National Pizza Awards finalists
ACE Pizza, London The Capish
Base Face Pizza, London Seoul Mate
Bing Bong Pizza, London With A Little H(ELP) From My Friends
Fatto a Mano, Brighton Popeye Pizza
Forbici, Manchester Porchetta Completa
Franco Manca, National Tre Porcellini
Little Earthquakes, London Fennel Salami Bolognaise
Mamma Dough, London John O’Goat
Pizza Pilgrims, National Golden Autumn
Pizza Punks, Glasgow Double Pepperoni, Burrata & Hot Honey
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, National La Fiamma
Short Road Pizza Co, London SRP Marinara
Super Club Roma, London Into The Woods (& Out Of The City)
Yard Sale Pizza, London Bright Young Thing
Zia Lucia, London Britalian Blaze
Zizzi, National Fiora Rosa
Find out more here.