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Draft:Pizza in the United Kingdom

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  • Comment: Not a consistent topic, appears to move on from the history of pizza in the United Kingdom to a list of common pizza styles, toppings, then to a pizza recipe and back to a list of toppings. Only the first part is actually relevant, and The Spectator is the only actual on-topic source that was given. Chaotic Enby (talk · contribs) 21:19, 19 October 2024 (UTC)

Although the exact date of introduction of pizza in the United Kingdom is uncertain, it made its first known appearance in the 19th century. The earliest known Italian restaurant, possibly serving pizza, dates back to 1803 and was located near Leicester Square, called the Italian Eating House. However, there is no official record of its menu from that period.[1] The more definitive introduction of pizza took place with the opening of the Olivelli restaurant on Store Street in Bloomsbury in 1934, where one of its early documents featured a recipe for margherita pizza.[2] The notable rise of pizza culture in Britain began with the launch of Pizza Express, the first chain of pizza restaurants, which opened its inaugural branch on Wardour Street in 1965.[3] Afterward, other chains such as Pizzaland and Pizza Hut established their presence in the UK, with Pizzaland launching in 1970 and Pizza Hut opening its first location in Islington in 1973.[4]

The popularity of pizza surged in Britain after World War II, largely due to the influx of Italian immigrants who opened their own pizzerias.[5]

The pizza market in the UK has continued to grow, with a reported 52% of Britons having ordered pizza in the past year.[6] The trend is anticipated to evolve as operators respond to consumer demand for convenience and variety, such as providing pizza slices and ready-to-cook meal options.[7]

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  • Margherita - A staple across the world, but in the UK, it often features a slightly sweeter tomato sauce, fresh basil, and extra cheese (mozzarella).
  • Pepperoni - While classic pepperoni pizza is also a favorite in the UK, it sometimes comes with a milder, British-style pepperoni.
  • Hawaiian - This pizza, topped with ham and pineapple, is surprisingly popular despite its divisiveness. UK versions sometimes include bacon or extra cheese.
  • Meat Feast - Packed with several types of meat like pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon. It’s a meaty favorite across the country.
  • Vegetarian - Common toppings include mushrooms, peppers, onions, sweetcorn, and tomatoes. Some UK versions also feature spinach and goats' cheese.
  • BBQ Chicken - A popular variation featuring barbecue sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce, topped with chicken, onions, and cheese.
  • The Full English - A breakfast-inspired pizza with bacon, sausage, eggs, and beans.
  • Chicken Tikka Pizza - Reflecting the UK’s love for Indian cuisine, this pizza comes with a spicy chicken tikka topping, sometimes with red onions and green peppers.
  • Doner Kebab Pizza - A British twist influenced by the popularity of kebab shops, this pizza features doner meat as a topping, usually served with onions and chili sauce.
  • Cheeseburger Pizza - This unusual but popular variant uses ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and even ketchup and mustard to mimic a cheeseburger.
  • Fish & Chips Pizza - As a playful nod to the UK’s most famous dish, some places offer a pizza topped with battered fish, chips (fries), and mushy peas.

Ingredients

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Common toppings for pizza in the United Kingdom include Margarita, Pepperoni, Ham and Pineapple, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Chicken, Spinach, Seafood, and Cheddar Cheese.

Dough and Toppings

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To prepare British pizza dough, it is essential to start with high-quality flour, typically strong white bread flour, which provides the necessary gluten structure for the dough.[8] UK pizzas often feature a variety of toppings, with some popular choices including:

  • Cheese: Mozzarella is the most common, but Cheddar and Stilton are also popular.
  • Meats: Pepperoni, ham, chicken, and sausage are frequently used.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach are common.
  • Seafood: Tuna and prawns can also make an appearance.
  • Sauces: Traditional tomato sauce, pesto, and BBQ sauce are popular options.
  • Extras: Pineapple, jalapeños, and various herbs like basil or oregano are also used.

References

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  1. ^ Buscemi, Francesco (2022-04-18), "2000–12: Eating TV, Food on Berlusconian Television", Pasta, Pizza and Propaganda: A Political History of Italian Food TV, Intellect Books, pp. 82–101, doi:10.1386/9781789384062_5, ISBN 978-1-78938-406-2, retrieved 2024-10-18
  2. ^ Spectator, The (2019-10-10). "A slice of history: how did Britain's pizza industry begin?". The Spectator. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  3. ^ Spectator, The (2019-10-10). "A slice of history: how did Britain's pizza industry begin?". The Spectator. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  4. ^ Spectator, The (2019-10-10). "A slice of history: how did Britain's pizza industry begin?". The Spectator. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  5. ^ c.french (2022-12-04). "Pizza - A Brief History of Pizza in London". The Mitre Pub Richmond. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  6. ^ "UK Pizza & Italian Restaurants Market Report 2023-28 | Trends". store.mintel.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  7. ^ "UK Pizza & Italian Restaurants Market Report 2023-28 | Trends". store.mintel.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  8. ^ "Pizza dough recipe". BBC Food. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
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