UK’s first plant-based pizza restaurant to open in Northern Quarter

Purezza, the UK’s first vegan pizzeria, is launching its Manchester branch this May in the former Dough Pizza Kitchen site.

The brand won National Pizza of the Year in 2018 and received awards at the World Pizza Championships in 2019.

Purezza is a 100% plant-based and vegan restaurant, for which it holds further accolades including Vegan Restaurant of the Year 2020.

The range of creative Neapolitan-style pizzas features Purezza’s own patented plant-based mozzarella – the recipe is a closely guarded secret but is made using plants, is hypoallergenic, and tastes, looks and melts just like the real thing.

The bases are made from a unique gluten-free wholegrain sourdough – indistinguishable from regular sourdough – and each organic topping and ingredient is ethically sourced and carefully selected.

As well as classics such as the Margherita, the menu features unique pizzas like the Parmigiana Party (National Pizza of the Year 2018), which uses aubergine parmigiana and vegan sausages, The One with N’duja, featuring a unique plant-based take on the Italian spicy topping, and a fully plant-based black truffle pizza with smoked tofu and wild mushrooms.

Sides, salads and desserts are on the menu too, with salads such as the Pure Bowl - organic spiced lentils and buckwheat tossed with kale, peppers and semi-dried tomatoes, topped with pesto courgetti spaghetti, crunchy corn, marinated olives, parmesan cheese, and a balsamic glaze.

For dessert there’s The Chocolate One – true decadence in doughtion – which uses Purezza’s signature fluffy sourdough coated in a homemade chocolate-hazelnut sauce and topped with white chocolate crumble and ice cream.

Drinks-wise, there’s a wide range of creative cocktails and organic beers and wines. Food will also be available via local delivery services.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Purezza’s values, and this comes across in more than just the food.

The restaurant is fitted out with reclaimed and upcycled furniture, and decoration has been completed with eco-friendly and organic paints.

The Manchester branch will be the brand’s sixth site.

“Manchester has been on our agenda for years now as we know it has a vibrant foodie scene, which will only grow once lockdown restrictions are lifted,” says Tim Barclay, co-founder and co-owner of Purezza.

“We’ve had more requests on social media to open in Manchester than any other city in the UK, and it’s truly a pleasure to honour those requests and to finally make it happen.

“We’re really excited about this, and we can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.”

Purezza will open in May. Find out more here.