New pizza takeaway promising ‘tradition of Naples, authenticity of New York and freshness of the North East’ opens in Morpeth

New pizza takeaway promising ‘tradition of Naples, authenticity of New York and freshness of the North East’ opens in Morpeth

13 May 2024

A new pizza takeaway promising the ‘tradition of Naples, authenticity of New York and freshness of the North East’ has opened in Morpeth.  

Family-run independent pizzeria The Pitman Pizza Co opened their latest takeaway at Stanley Terrace, behind Sanderson Arcade, on Wednesday, May 8.   

This will be the second venue opened by founder Tommy Rand, following the success of his other takeaway in Bedlington. 

Since 2017, Tommy has experimented with flavours from Italy to produce the best possible pizzas in the North East - something everyone in Morpeth can now also enjoy. 

The 34-year-old, of Bedlington, said: “We hope to mix the tradition of Naples, authenticity of New York and freshness of the North East in all of our pizzas – and we cannot wait for the good people of Morpeth to try them out!

“We will be including all of the traditional pizzas you would expect on our menu, but also combining it with some special creations of our own that have been popular with customers.” 

Tommy’s interest in pizza-making started several years ago when he enjoyed a slice from a wood-fired oven from a stall at a music festival and noted how much better the freshly-made pizza tasted when compared with a shop bought version. 

Soon after, he launched a mobile pizza business that became a roaring success. 

He said: “We hosted an event at my brother’s house once and we had over 80 people come from the neighbourhood.

“We couldn’t believe it, and that’s when we knew we were onto a winner.” 

Soon after they launched their first pizzeria inside a shipping container on the site of The Box Wood Tap, now known as The Hoptimist, in Bedlington.

Since then he has also visited his other brother, who lives in New York, and managed to pick up some tips from a few pizza chefs while he was there.

Some of the most popular types of pizza that Tommy will be bringing to Morpeth include the Pitman Pizza (smoked pepperoni, Napoli salami, pickled chilli and a drizzle of house-made chilli-infused hot honey), the Truffle Shuffle (Parma ham, prosciutto di Parma, portobello mushroom, rosemary on a cream cheese base finished with a drizzle of truffle oil).

Tommy said: “We know what our customers like, and we’re looking forward to taking your orders.”  

Centre Manager at Sanderson Arcade, Lottie Thompson, said: “Pitman Pizza are well-known in the area for their unique and tasty toppings and we are so excited to be welcoming them to Morpeth. 

“Whether you want to take a full pizza home, or enjoy a slice as you shop at Stanley Terrace or Sanderson Arcade, this will be a fantastic addition to the offering for our shoppers.”  

Pitman’s uses the finest quality Italian flour sourced from the Caputo Mill in Naples. 

The tomatoes they use to produce their signature sauce is packed full of natural sweetness having been grown in the fertile volcanic foothills of Mount Vesuvius. 

The all-important cheese they use is a low moisture Fior Di Latte mozzarella produced by a family run dairy founded in 1880 on the outskirts of Naples.

The Morpeth takeaway will just be accepting walk-in orders and orders for collection at first, but Tommy is hoping to launch a website and branch out into deliveries. They also intend to sell full pizzas and also by the slice. 

In addition, Tommy is recruiting two pizza chefs for the new venture and anyone interested in either role can email him directly at tom@pitmanpizza.com   

Pitman Pizza will be open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm. For more information visit the takeaway’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

For more information about events and what’s happening at Sanderson Arcade visit www.sandersonarcade.co.uk  

Sanderson Arcade is owned and managed by the Sheffield based property company Dransfield Properties. 

                                                                 ENDS  

Picture shows:- Back row, Tommy Rand with friends Callum McPake and Connor Main, with Tommy's parents Ian and Susan at the front.    

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk