Purezza

The story

The creative duo of Tim Barclay and Stefania Evangelisti broke new ground when they founded the UK’s first vegan pizzeria in Brighton back in 2015. Known as Purezza, its food is inspired by the cuisine of Stefania’s home country of Italy, and the menu includes pizzas, pasta dishes and traditional desserts like tiramisu. Everything is made using responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients to ensure that Purezza has a positive impact on its customers and the environment.

Innovative food

The food at Purezza is served in a warm, welcoming environment that encourages a spirit of sharing. That extends to all of their locations, which now include London, Bristol and Manchester. At each restaurant, the focus is on making innovative meat-free meals, including unconventional options like BBQ Bourbon Pizza and Courgetti Spaghetti. They also make their own signature cheese, Mozzarella 2.0, which is said to be so close to the real thing you can hardly taste the difference.

Vegan firsts

It is this kind of creativity that saw the restaurant win an award at the World Pizza Championships in Italy in 2019 – the first time a vegan pizzeria had taken part in the annual competition. And the accolades don’t stop there; Purezza was also hailed for having the best pizza in the UK at the National Pizza Awards in 2018 after the panel of judges were taken aback by the quality of its flavour and texture, as well as the inventive selection of ingredients.

Sustainability at every level

Not only do the team at Purezza strive to create delicious meals, they also work hard to make their whole setup as sustainable as it possibly can be. Like other vegan operations, they achieve a lower carbon footprint through the use of plant-based proteins, but they go the extra mile to minimise waste by recycling and reusing where possible as well. They have even partnered with eco-friendly companies like Recorra, Olleco and Albion Waste to help turn any leftover waste into renewable energy and biodiesel. Their restaurants are powered by renewable electricity where possible and equipment is used as needed to limit energy consumption to a minimum. Local suppliers are sought out not only for ingredients, but also for crockery and cups. There is no single-use plastic to be found at any of their locations as their takeaway packaging is all made with compostable or biodegradable materials. Lastly, the decor has also been ethically produced, with upcycled furniture and recycled materials installed throughout.

Building a community

Purezza’s owners take their responsibility to the local community very seriously. They donate to charities around the country, having given money to organisations like FRIEND Farm Animal Sanctuary and Together Co. and food to other groups within the communities they serve. Their employees also give their own time to local charities, thus ensuring that Purezza has the most positive effect it can. By producing delightful vegan fare and behaving responsibly, they hope to set a great example that will inspire people to approach how they eat with a new perspective which aligns with the quality of their health, the prosperity of the community and the wellbeing of the planet.