New Winchester pub specialising in pizza to open this week

The Pizza Tavern, in Bridge Street, is opening for business on Thursday, October 3.

The business, which is taking over the building which was previously The Black Bottle wine bar, is the brain child of Winchester residents Michael Smith and Freddie Fraser.

Co-owners Michael Smith (left) and Freddie Fraser (Image: The Pizza Tavern)

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The pair previously met in a shared house in Tulse Hill, London, before moving back to Hampshire during the Covid-19 pandemic to be closer to family.

The duo share a passion for food, also running Pizza Polizia. Michael has had more than ten years experience as a pizza chef and was selling pizzas to the neighbours in his home near Cheltenham during the final lockdown.

After Freddie stumbled upon a tuk tuk for sale in Eastleigh he called Mike to suggest they adorn it with a pizza oven and start doing business in Winchester and thus, Pizza Polizia was born.

The pair then took up residency at The Black Boy in Wharf Hill, Freddie’s local pub growing up, as well as catering for public and private events.

Freddie and Michael then decided that they wanted a brick and mortar restaurant, securing a lease agreement for The Black Bottle and spending a year going through the planning and licensing process to turn it into The Pizza Tavern. This included redecorating the building and installing a new pizza kitchen.

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The duo said that they want The Pizza Tavern “to be a pub that serves exceptional authentic pizza”, adding “It’s the people who make the place.”

The co-owners are hoping to welcome walk ins, bookings, parties and will host music nights, quiz nights and more.

The pair will also continue to run the mobile arm of their business with their brand new pizza truck “Suzie”, and are welcoming bookings for summer 2025.