Member Spotlight: Cofton Pizza

Huge congratulations! How does it feel to win the People’s Award at Slice o Mania?

It’s an incredible feeling. Winning the main award voted for by the people who actually ate our pizza makes it even more special. We came to London hoping to introduce Cofton Pizza to a new audience, so to leave with the People’s Award is something we’ll never forget.

The judges and visitors loved not only your pizza but also the energy you brought to the festival. Is creating that kind of atmosphere as important to you as the food itself?

Absolutely. Great pizza is only half of the experience. We want people to feel welcome, have a laugh with us and leave with a smile. Whether you’re visiting one of our restaurants or grabbing a pizza at a festival, the atmosphere should be just as memorable as the food.

Your chicken tikka special was one of the standout slices of the weekend. Where do you find inspiration for your specials?

We’re always looking at flavours we love outside of pizza and asking ourselves how we can make them work on a Neapolitan base. The chicken tikka pizza was inspired by classic British-Indian flavours, and we wanted to create a “Streetfood” style pizza. We love creating specials that surprise people while still staying true to what we do.

Cofton Pizza has grown from a back garden hobby in 2022 to two restaurants, two mobile setups and a team of nearly 20. Looking back, what has been the biggest milestone in that journey?

There have been so many, but being recognised for the first time in London has to be right up there. To go from making pizzas in the garden with an Ooni oven to serving people in two restaurants and at festivals across the country is something we’re incredibly proud of. None of it would have been possible without our amazing team and customers.

What do you think has been the secret to building such a loyal following so quickly?

Being genuine. We care about every pizza that leaves the oven, but we also care about the people buying it. We’ve always tried to build a community rather than just a customer base, and I think people can tell when you’re passionate and authentic.

You were a late addition to the festival but certainly made an impact. What was your favourite moment from the weekend?

Without a doubt, hearing our name announced as the People’s Award winners. You can hear the roar in the photo of me celebrating. We couldn’t contain our emotions! Seeing our us and fellow traders celebrate together after working so hard all weekend was really emotional. It’s a moment we’ll all remember for a long time.

For members who haven’t tried Cofton Pizza yet, how would you describe your pizza style in three words?

Bold. Creative. Authentic.

What’s next for Cofton Pizza?

We’re just getting started. We’ll keep pushing ourselves with new specials, exciting collaborations and more events further afield from Birmingham. This award has given us even more motivation to keep raising the bar while staying true to what Cofton Pizza is all about.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about turning their food business side hustle into a full-time venture?

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect because it never will be. Things go wrong, things are sometimes out of tour control. Don’t beat yourself up. Just pull up your trousers and get stuck in! Start small, listen to your customers, keep improving every day and be prepared to work harder than you ever have before. If you’re genuinely passionate and willing to put the effort in, amazing things can happen. My favourite saying is “make a spark into a bonfire”