One of the undeniable gems of the Manchester pizza scene has rightly claimed its place as one of the best pizzerias in Europe.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria has been tirelessly dishing out the authentic flavours of Italy to the hungry people of Manchester for over six years now, so it’s only right that it’s claimed a spot on the list of the 50 best pizzerias on the continent.
Renowned travel website Big 7 has updated its restaurant rankings just in time for summer to “celebrate the places that take pizza to new levels alongside those that honour classic traditions and techniques”.
And Rudy’s has bagged a seriously-impressive fifth spot on the list.
Following the success of its first location, a second site was launched on Peter Street in the heart of the city centre in 2018 – with owners continuing to expand across the UK to Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham.
Believing Neapolitan pizza to be the best in the world, Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily using Caputo 00 flour – which has been left to ferment for at least 24 hours – alongside the best quality ingredients imported twice a week from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
It really is the best of the best, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so celebrated.
Rudy’s has bagged a seriously-impressive fifth spot on Big 7’s top 50 list / Credit: Rudy’s
Explaining why Rudy’s has taken the fifth spot on the list, Big 7 said: “They stick pretty close to tradition at Rudy’s, crafting their pies pretty much in exactly the same manner that they do in Naples.
“Creating the dough here is a true labour of love, as they let it double ferment for 24 hours before throwing it in the oven for just 60 seconds to cook.
“There’s a reason why so many locals think this is the best pizza in Manchester.”
Da Michele still uses the same recipe today as when the first restaurant opened / Credit: Instagram (@pizzeriadamichele)
Da Michele gained a global reputation as the ‘Sacred Temple of Pizza’ since opening in Naples over 150 years ago, and is known for serving the “only two types” of pizza – margherita or marinara.
It shot to international fame after featuring in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts.
Manchester truly is spoiled for choice when it comes to pizza, right?
Featured Image – Rudy’s
Food & Drink
Drake-backed fried chicken brand Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
The huge LA-based fried chicken brand backed by Drake is heading to Manchester for the very first time this summer.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open in the Printworks this August – the first UK branch outside of London and Birmingham.
The cult chicken brand has said that its new venue will feature an ‘industrial design inspired by Manchester’s rave scene’ (if we had a pound every time a new venue used that design style, we’d be as rich as Drake…).
Dave’s Hot Chicken is famed for its signature Nashville-style hot chicken, which is served in seven different spice levels from No Spice to Reaper.
Expect sliders, tenders, ‘next-level’ top-loaded shakes and slushes.
It’s grown so quickly that in 2021, it caught the eye of none other than rapper Drake, who is a ‘significant investor’ in the brand.
The fried chicken spot will be moving into the large corner unit at Printworks, which has previously been Busaba Thai, and Floripa, with 139 covers.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is coming to Manchester
Inside, it will feature towering ceilings, exposed steelwork, and laser lights, claiming to be a ‘full-on sensory trip, where music, light and fried chicken will come together to create a high-voltage experience’.
There will also be custom graffiti inspired by L.A.-based street artists Splatterhaus and Dehm.
Dave’s Hot Chicken still has hour-long queues down in London, several months after opening on Shaftesbury Avenue – next up will be a Birmingham branch in July before Manchester opens later this summer.
And this is just the start of a nationwide expansion.
Jim Attwood, Managing Director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, said: “Printworks Manchester is the ideal setting for our next UK site – right at the heart of one of the country’s most exciting cities.
“The new restaurant pays homage to Manchester’s legendary warehouse rave scene, with an industrial-inspired design and bold, high-energy atmosphere to match our signature flavours.
“We can’t wait to bring something fresh to this iconic venue and its vibrant mix of entertainment, food and culture.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at Printworks Manchester on 8 August.
Burger King is giving away FREE vegan burgers to meat lovers to prove how ‘tasty’ they are
Emily Sergeant
Reckon you could swap out meat for a vegan alternative?
Now we know there’ll be droves of meat-lovers who read that question with their noses turned up, immediately dismissing the possibility that it would ever be something they’d consider… but what if we told you it was free?
That’s right – Burger King has announced that for the next week or so, it’ll be delivering its delicious Vegan Royale burgers to meat-loving customers for free, all with the aim of giving them a chance to experience just how tasty and satisfying plant-based foods can be, and prove that they won’t miss out by giving it a go.
The Vegan Royale is Burger King’s take on its legendary Chicken Royale burger, and sees a crispy vegan patty – that’s meant to be an alternative to chicken – topped with iceberg lettuce, vegan mayo, and crowned with a toasted sesame seed bun.
Burger King is giving away free vegan burgers to meat lovers to prove how ‘tasty’ they are / Credit: Burger King UK
The fast food chain‘s campaign is in partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher, and comes as shocking new research has revealed that more than 40% of meat eaters admit to having never tasted a plant-based burger.
On the other hand, that same research also found that the UK appears to eb embracing plant-based foods more than ever, as nearly 60% of the population say that are open to trying it.
67% of those who once thought plant-based food wasn’t for them say a great meat alternative burger was what changed their mind – so maybe this is what the Vegan Royale can be for you, if you’re willing to give it a chance.
So, to give hungry customers a taste of what the fuss is all about, Burger King will be offering anyone who orders on UberEats or Just Eat, with a minimum spend of £20, a Vegan Royale burger for free of charge along with the rest of their order.
Emily Sergeant -
25th June 2021 
