Prepare your taste buds – Neapolitan pizza specialists, Pizza Pilgrims, are rolling into town this summer! Opening on the 18th August in the heart of the city centre at 105 – 107 Deansgate, this is Pizza Pilgrims’ first ever Manchester pizzeria.
They’re kicking things off in true Pizza Pilgrims’ style with a week-long soft launch from 11th to 17th August, featuring 50% off food and drinks and their pizza masterclasses – spots are limited, so book ahead now. Another date for the diary is their infamous Slice Day, where 1000 free pizza slices will be up for grabs from 12 pm on Wednesday, 13th August.
The new Manchester pizzeria features 140 covers across a ground-floor and mezzanine dining space. The pièce de résistance? A top-floor masterclass kitchen and chef’s table offer an unforgettable Dough It Yourself experience, led by Pizza Pilgrims’ experienced pizzaiolos. Whether you’re here to feast or finesse your dough-stretching skills, this pizzeria doubles down on Neapolitan good vibes.
The space itself celebrates everything Pizza Pilgrims is about – get ready for a one-hour holiday to Napoli! Look out for a full Naples street scene mural commissioned by a local artist and the show-stopping blue ‘Fiat Panda Pop’ bar, which needs to be seen to be believed.
Launching with Pizza Pilgrims’ brand-new summer menu, alongside seasoned classics, expect a flavour-packed line-up of dishes that spotlight the unbeatable ingredients of Napoli. The Amalfi Coast pizza sets the standard with Cetaran DOP anchovies, Piennolo tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, olives, capers, and basil. There’s also the indulgent Principessa pizza, stacked with Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Piennolo di Vesuvio DOP tomatoes, 24-month Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala DOP, and extra virgin olive oil. The Burrata & Pesto pizza delivers creamy Puglian burrata, Genovese basil pesto, and sweet Piennolo tomatoes for lighter summer vibes.
And it’s not all about pizza. Start your meal with the antipasti plate of wafer-thin, black pepper-smoked Napoli salami, or keep it fresh with the Burrata Caprese, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Cocktails are getting a glow-up too, including the Watermelon & Strawberry Daiquiri and the fiery Spicy Pineapple Margarita – because pineapple belongs in margaritas, not on margheritas (or do they?).
Alongside the new menu, expect to enjoy fan-favourites such as the Margherita, Salsiccia e Friarielli, and the sweet-and-spicy Double Pepperoni & Hot Honey, as well as the more infamous specialities: The 8 Cheese pizza and the Carbonara pizza with crunchy strands of al dente spaghetti.
Founders James and Thom Elliot said: “We’ve been looking to open a Pizza Pilgrims in Manchester for ages. This city is really special to us as we were both born in Manchester and raised in the local area, so it feels like we’re coming back to our roots. We’ve waited a long time for the right opportunity to present itself, as it’s such a cool, exciting, and individual place with such a unique energy. It’s not a place that you can just swagger into! We can’t wait to join the city’s amazing food community!”
As always, Pizza Pilgrims’ focus remains on using high-quality ingredients and staying true to Naples, with ‘00’ flour from the Caputo mill, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, and Campanian Fior di Latte mozzarella all sourced directly from Italy. Plus, Manchester guests can support Pizza Pilgrims’ ongoing charity work via their ‘Dip To Donate’ initiative, which donates 5p from every crust dipper sold to the Pizza Pilgrims charity fund.
The Manchester pizzeria will create 30 positions, including both front-of-house and back-of-house roles. The team will be led by local pizza legend Joshua Rogers, General Manager, who has 20 years strong hospitality experience.
Pizza Pilgrims Manchester officially opens on 18th August at 105 Deansgate, M3 2BQ. Manchester City Centre. The pizzeria will be open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner, cocktails, and serious pizza joy!
