A PIZZA chef based at a city pub has been named as one of the UK's best as he won a big slice of national glory which proved the perfect topping after his first year.
Pizza chef Vincenzo Crudele, founder of Pizza by Vinnie based at the Oil Basin Brewhouse in Copenhagen Street in Worcester, has been named as one of the nation's very best.
The 29-year-old was one of a select few finalists for Pizza Chef of the Year 2024, part of the PAPA Industry Awards, and said he was honoured to be named as one of the finalists in London.
A pizza chef for the last 12 years, he was one of 16 finalists shortlisted for the prestigious national awards at Pizza Pilgrims in Camden in London on Thursday.
Originally from Apulia in southern Italy, he said he had been making pizzas since he was 13 and to be listed was recognition for the hard work he had put in.
He still orders in many of his ingredients from Italy. He came to Worcester from Italy when he was 24 and specialises in authentic Italian pizzas.
He said: "After decades of experience and one year open, I've received recognition for all my hard work."
The accolade builds on the glowing reviews he has already received including a coveted 5 star rating on TripAdvisor after 13 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: "What a gem. Came here for a late lunch as I've been wanting to try the pizza for ages - I was not disappointed! We both thought it was the best pizza we had ever had and will definitely back to try more of the menu. The owner told me the lasagna pizza had been really popular and I can definitely taste why!"
He opened the business last October. The enterprise came about when he did some demonstrations at the Oil Basin on how to make pizza in a wood fired oven. After he injured his hand playing rugby, he approached the owners and 'got the place' and is based in the restaurant above the pub.
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"I have received some lovely reviews. I don't have any bad reviews. For me to be a finalist is really big as it's national," said Mr Crudele
Mr Crudele makes a range of pizzas, including in the Neapolitan style and people can eat the pizzas in the restaurant and he also does deliveries via Just Eat and Uber Eats.
The business offers a range of different pizzas, including Mariana, Margherita, Pepperoni, Four Seasons, Parmigiana, Pesto calzone, Tartufo, Friarielli, Lasagna.
A Christmas menu will also see options for two and three course meals, including a 'roast dinner pizza' and torata and gelato.
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