The UK’s pizza scene is thriving with independent pizzerias shaping food culture, setting new trends and bringing fresh ideas and bold flavour to the table. Bristol is a city full of independent food spots, so it knows pizza, and Pizzarova has found its place. There is no need for frills and fancy plating when the pizza does the heavy lifting. At Pizzarova, it’s all about signature sourdough, hand-made with care, quality ingredients and toppings that give you a reason to come back for more.
Known affectionately as ‘Rova’ by its local following, the independent pizza brand has easily fitted into Bristol’s food scene, a place where you can dine in and hang out with friends and family or take away from the comfort of your own sofa.
The Pizzarova story began in 2013 when founders Alex Corbett and Jack Lander took to the roads of Somerset in a Landover fitted with a wood-fired oven. The pair were doing something they both loved: creating delicious, crowd-pleasing pizza for festival goers. From this the name Pizza-Rova was born.
Today Pizzarova looks a little different, with four pizza restaurants and a pop-up in Bristol, a new shop opening in Bath early 2027 and more to follow. The Land Rover that started it all hasn’t been left behind, still in action and very much part of the business; it’s a reminder of where the brand began.
Pizzarova’s main hero is the classic billowy handmade sourdough base made with Shipton Mill flour. The sourdough starter, the living culture that provides the natural and unique flavours to the sourdough bread, is over 70 years old and kept alive through constant regular feeding of flour and water.With a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Glastonbury Fior di Latte mozzarella, the base is set. The menu offers classic and familiar favourites like Margherita and Double Chorizo, as well as more adventurous combinations and flavours, such as Chicken Parmigiana and the award-winning Miso Mushroom. There are plenty of options for plant-based diners too, with vegan options that put flavour first with creative combinations. Monthly specials bring new flavours into the mix; every month sees a new showstopper or collaboration.
Pizzarova is known for teaming up with other independent businesses, bringing local food talent together to create limited-edition pizzas. November’s special is with The Jolly Hog, a family-run business in Bristol with a reputation for producing high-welfare and award-winning British meat. A super cosy pizza with proper porkers, café de Paris butter, Marmite glazed red onions, nutty Grana Padano and chives.
The dips are just as much part of the show with garlic, sweet roasted garlic, and chipotle mayo. Scotch bonnet and pineapple hot sauce, and truffle and Parmesan mayo—all waiting for those spare crusts.
With four shops and one pop-up cargo container at The Prospect Building, the brand is looking to build on its Bristol roots while holding onto the independent spirit that first got it started.
“The pizza market is competitive, and we stand out with key quality ingredients and years of doing what we love. It all starts with the art of making proper pizza – handmade sourdough base, fresh, quality produce, creative flavours and environment created for people when they walk through the door. We are working with brilliant suppliers and championing the ingredients, all from Somerset. Pizzarova is about the whole experience, from the people serving you to experimenting with new ingredients and pushing boundaries and finding new ways to do things better. We have a fantastic team, and we are excited about the next steps and bringing ‘Rova’ to more cities.
Jack Lander, co-founder of Pizzarova
If Pizzarova is not on your radar yet, it should be. With roots in Bristol and plans to grow, the company motto remains the same: ‘Just great people serving up great pizza.’
 | Find out more at www.pizzarova.com |
