New restaurant in Winchester hands out free pizza slices

Five Boroughs Pizza in Jewry Street, which serves up New York-style "slices and pies", opened officially yesterday, October 30, with half-price slices and a chance to meet the owners.

The independent restaurant is the brainchild of Matthew Sanger, Matthew Willsher and Mika Rai, who toured New York for inspiration before bringing their expertise back to Winchester.

Matthew Willsher said: "We love pizza, we love the vibe in New York and we wanted to create that atmosphere you get in New York. 

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Five Boroughs Pizza on Jewry Street (Image: Sebastian Haw) "We went to New York last July for three days, visiting loads of slice shops, tasting lots and came back with our research.

"Our motto is 'keep it simple'. Simple toppings, simple ingredients, good beer, nice cocktails."

The restaurant's name is a homage to the five different boroughs of New York, and, Matt explains, they serve five different pizza flavours.

There are now over ten pizza restaurants in the city, although this is the first New York "slice shop".

The restaurant has previously stated the following: “The business will be a neighbourhood family-run pizzeria restaurant with a small amount of evening takeaways. The predominant business will be that of a restaurant, not as a takeaway, as is allowed under Class E definition.

“The restaurant plans to hire four permanent staff members and 20 part-time employees."