The popular New York-style pizzeria is best known for its giant 22-inch pizzas and massive individual slices
Common first opened in 2004, whilst Nell’s pizza was born in 2020(Image: CC2.0 Attribution)
A Manchester pizzeria has been recognised as having one of the best pizzas in the UK and will fighting for first place in the National Pizza Awards.
Marking the awards’ 10th anniversary, this year’s finalists include a mix of established favourites and exciting newcomers, with debut appearances from Manchester’s Nell’s and Hove-based Stretch, returning competitors including Yard Sale Pizza, Pizza Pilgrims and former champions Bad Boy Pizza Society.
The finalists will compete in a live cooking showdown on 3 November at London’s Big Penny Social to determine the 2026 winner. In total, sixteen hospitality brands have been selected for the 2026 National Pizza Awards final.
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“Wow, here we go again then,” said Tristan O’Hana, editorial director of Dine Out magazine, which hosts the event.
“This year’s National Pizza Awards line-up features the perfect mix of established groups, emerging indies, previous finalists and debutants.
Johnny and Charlotte Heyes are the owners of Nells and Common(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“All eyes will understandably be on the guys from Bad Boy Pizza Society, who will be looking for a historic third victory, but they are up against some serious competition this year. We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in November. Bring it on.”
On top of a signature round, which determines the National Pizza of the Year, the event will see pizzaiolos take part in a technical challenge where they must create the ultimate pizza from a selection of sponsor ingredients, all in an effort to claim the Pizza Chef of the Year title.
Nell’s New York Pizza and Bar at Kampus(Image: Supplied)
This year will also see the return of The Alternative Slice Award, given to the competitor who puts together the most delicious and outstanding dish from a range of free-from products. The winners are decided by three panels of expert industry judges.
First established by the founders of Common bar in the Northern Quarter and The Beagle in Chorlton, Nell’s has become a much-loved part of Manchester’s hospitality scene. Known for their giant 22-inch pizzas, NY inspired slices, and cult following, Nell’s boasts sites in Northern Quarter, Kampus, Chorlton, Altrincham, Salford Quays and Freight Island.
Co-founder Jonny spent years researching and perfecting the Nell’s dough and sauce recipes and takes a near obsessive view on toppings, working only with the best suppliers. The pizzas at Nell’s reached a new level of fame after singer Lewis Capaldi celebrated his chart-topping single, Forget Me, hitting 20 million streams on Spotify with a massive mammoth 22″ pizza from the Kampus branch too.
Nell’s have several sites across Greater Manchester(Image: Supplied)
Pizzas include the OG Cheese with house tomato sauce and mozzarella, finished with EVOO and parmesan, and Shroom With A View, a mushroom heavy option with a house tomato sauce, roast cashew cream, nooch, chilli flakes, and thyme.
The pizza selected as part of the National Pizza Awards is the Do You Roni, Honey? a popular menu item with pepperoni, nduja, chilly honey, tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. Other dishes on the menu include their gluten-free pizzas on a Detroit-style base, salads and dough bites tossed in garlic, rosemary and ricotta, served with a range of dips including truffle mayo, smokey maple BBQ and garlic and herb ranch.
The National Pizza Awards final takes place at London’s Big Penny Social on Tuesday 3 November.
The 2026 National Pizza Awards finalists
ALFI
Dom
At the Chapel
Salsiccia
Bad Boy Pizza Society
Vodka Sausage
CIRCO
Hot Like Gigi
Crust Bros
Carbo
Due Forni
Bella & Buona
East West
The Silence of the Lambs
Five Feet
Hot Sausage
Franco Manca
Mezzaluna
Leaven Pizza
Diavolo al Sesamo
Nell’s
Do You Roni, Honey?
Pizza Pilgrims
Che Cavolo
Scott’s All Day
Peaches, Peaches, Peaches
Stretch
The Herd
Yard Sale Pizza
The Gaeng Pizza Gang
Zizzi
Black Gold
Dining and Cooking