‘Feed me pizza and tell me I’m pretty’; so says the unmissable neon centre piece of ‘We Love Pizza’s’ newly renovated restaurant space…and who am I to disagree!

For just over three years, this pint-sized family-run pizzeria has been serving up a stylish takeaway menu of artisan, sourdough pizzas, made from only the best Italian ingredients, after an ill-timed pandemic thwarted it’s plans for a slice of something greater.

Now, thanks to the overwhelming support of local diners and a vibrant modern-makeover, this plucky pizzeria is back on track with the addition of a newly renovated, two-storey dining space just perfect for showcasing its award-winning product!

Sure, on a first viewing, We Love Pizza’s shopwindow seems a tad inconspicuous, tucked away from the nearby high street amidst an abundance of student-friendly bars and takeaways. But don’t be fooled by first impressions. A short walk past the bustling kitchens and you’re well and truly through the looking glass, as – room by room – colourful murals and graffiti-style graphics fill the exposed brick walls, contemporary light fittings bathe the 18th century interiors in stylish shades of purple, blue and gold and an ambient soundtrack of acoustic rock, funk and soul fills the air. Even the toilets have been transformed into their own version of a tropical jungle paradise at the hands of talented local muralist Gemma Grao, whose eclectic and quirky designs deliver a healthy punch of personality to a once tired space.

Settling down to an ice-cold glass of Napton Cider (another great example of supporting Warwickshire’s local suppliers), a brief glance at the menu revealed a generous choice of freshly-prepared starters – from the classic Arancini Ragu (£7.95); crispy Italian rice balls served with marinara sauce and fresh parmesan cheese) to Calamari Fritti (£7.95); Tender baby squid served with homemade dipping sauce.

And for the ultimate comfort food with a twist, don’t miss the Frittatina Salsiccia (£7.95); a delicious mix of Italian macaroni, cooked in a smooth white sauce and stuffed with smoked cheese, sausage and broccoli! Bliss.

Added to this was a nutritious range of Homemade House Salad Bowls (from £5.45) and a hearty choice of classic Italian sides including fresh Garlic Bread (served with a choice of mozzarella cheese and spicy Ndjua paste) and Loaded house fries (topped with homemade beef ragu and melting cheese). And that’s before we get onto the main event…the pizza itself!

Choosing from We Love Pizza’s impressive range of nineteen, artisan wood-fire pizzas (available in Gluten-free options for and extra £3 and with Vegan Mozzarella for a supplement of £2), this was as far from your average ‘Takeaway’ menu as you could dare to imagine. From the hearty and nourishing Verde Mezze (Roasted Vegetables) pizza served with San Marzano tomatoes, roasted courgettes, peppers, artichokes and olives, right through to the melt-in-the-mouth Just Like Mammas homemade meatball pizza, this was a menu packed full of creative flair, coupled with a genuine love for showcasing the very best ingredients owners’ Jose and Geanina’s homeland has to offer.

Cooked on a feather-light base of 36-hour proved sourdough and served with a homemade Italian tomato sauce and authentic ‘Fior de Latte’ Mozzarella cheese, you could feel the venue’s passion and unique personality at play with every mouthful, whether you opted for a classic Margherita, Napoletana or (in my case) Diavola/Pepperoni (£13.45) served with nduja, fresh chillis and basil for an extra punch of spice, or took a chance on one of We Love Pizza’s eleven ‘Gourmet’ pizza blends.

A carnivore by nature, my partner’s choice of 4 Carne (£14.45), a hearty marriage of marinated chicken, herbal ham, smoked pancetta and spicy nduja, was testament to the restaurant’s care and attention to freshness. Here was no trace of mass-produced toppings or processed cured meat; just the very best artisan products, cooked with the utmost appreciation and care.

Pizza aside for one second, what stood out for me, was the venue’s inspired choice of ‘Crust Dippers’ priced at a very reasonable £1.50 each and served in a choice of Nduja, Blue Cheese, Hot Honey, Chilli Oil, Garlic and – my personal favourite – Truffle Mayo, which made the absolute most of that airy sourdough crust.

Special mention too must go to their quirky choice of scissors as a table dressing, which – novelty value aside – proved extremely well suited to cutting through the pizza’s soft sourdough base.

If We Love Pizza’s well-deserved popularity proves anything, it’s that authenticity and quality need not be compromised when it comes to an affordable night out. And sure, it may sound cheesy, but – when it comes to owners’ Jose and Geanina, it really is all about the love! And like all of the best businesses, you can feel it baked into every bite!

Five stars

Katherine Ewing

To book a table, visit: welovepizza.uk