York’s Red Goat awarded Britain’s best pizza prize

Red Goat Kitchen in York has been awarded Arla Pro Britain’s best pizza of 2024.

Their nominated ‘The Mountaineer’ pizza has earned Red Goat a £5,000 cash prize, as well as a pizza masterclass with Marco Fuso.

Having been launched last year, the competition for 2024 saw the judging format shaken up with the introduction of Italian food and drink influencer Elisabetta Basile, as well as Rich Baker, from Flat Earth Pizza, last year’s winner.

A mystery dining panel saw the entrants whittled down to three finalists, judged on authenticity and baking techniques, level of innovation and sustainability.

The dedicated pizza kitchen is part of Red Goat Climbing Company, a unique bouldering community in the centre of York who welcome people of all ages and ability. Over the last two years they have developed their own unique dough and sauce recipes for the dedicated pizza kitchen, focusing on sustainability by partnering with local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, even growing their own herbs on the premises.

“UK's top pizza? To say we're over the moon would be an understatement,” said Cameron, head chef at Red Goat Kitchen.

“It has been a long journey to develop our pizzas to the current standard. A considerable amount of hard work, research, and time has gone into crafting them to a level we are genuinely proud of, and receiving recognition for this effort is an incredible feeling. 

“The aim from the beginning was always to create a product that was both local and sustainable. We’ve always prioritised produce predominantly from the north of England, whether this be our beer, coffee or pizza ingredients.

“The welfare and traceability of our product has always been at the heart of our operation. Taking part in this contest has been a fantastic experience, and coming away with the win is an achievement we will always take pride in.”

The Mountaineer contains mozzarella, goats cheese, cherry tomatoes, rocket, bresaola and chilli jam.

Head judge Marco Fuso added: “Arla Pro’s Britain’s best pizza competition is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the passion and creativity of restaurants.

“Being here for the second year in a row as a judge allowed me to see just how much people love pizza across the country.”

Donna Eaton, head of marketing at Arla Pro, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of the chefs who participated in 2024’s Britain's best pizza competition.

“This event showcases the best of the best, allowing chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills in their own venues. Congratulations to Red Goat Kitchen for their outstanding achievement and for setting a new standard of excellence in the pizza-making industry. We look forward to seeing how this competition continues to inspire and elevate the art of pizza-making."

Arla Foods are a farmer-owned cooperative and home to leading dairy brands.