We're throwing a series of internal events centered around our pizzaiolos - celebrating their passion, dedication and skill. These guys are the legends at the heart of our business, slinging pizzas daily – this is their moment to get creative, show off and the best part, support each other 🥲

The 2025 Doughdown is the fifth of its kind and year on year we go bigger and better. The winner of the Doughdown gets the sought-after spot of having their pizza on the menu for one month as the October guest special, across all our pizzerias!

We want our chefs to express themselves via their creations and this year they were tasked with creating a pizza that says a lil something about them. The brief was to be who you are, but, on a pizza - somewhat autobiographical including ingredients!

We had 25 chefs go head-to-head in the ultimate cook-off each battling for the five coveted spots in the Doughdown final. A rambunctious and joyful day with all the chefs taking over our masterclass kitchen at Canary Wharf.

It was real food for thought to hear the touching stories behind the teams pizzas with many taking inspiration from representing their family in their hometowns to engage with exciting new ingredients, serve up exciting and unexpected fusions.

The pizzas were all judged against fair criteria of look, taste, texture, and originality alongside the overall impression and execution.

The talented chefs who made it through to the final are...

ANDREA VACCARIELLO

Head Chef Nottingham – Andrea’s pizza is a warm, heartfelt tribute to his family – especially his parents and his 2-year-old daughter. Bright, bold and full of soul, it’s inspired by the sunshine they bring into his life. Think rays of flavour, love and big Italian energy.

ANDREA ESPOSITO

Head Chef Brick Lane & Shoreditch – Andrea’s pizza is a proper Sunday classic from his childhood in Napoli. A comforting combo of pepperoni and sausage, it’s a dish his mum made every single week – always with a secret twist (nope, he’s not telling). It’s bold, nostalgic, and pure Napoli on a plate.

LUCA VARDARO

Senior Chef Hyde Park – Luca’s pizza brings his Italian roots to life. A creamy mozzarella base, sweet slow-cooked piennolo tomatoes, caramelised onions and crispy guanciale on top. It’s his story on a slice – rich, comforting and full of flavour.

TONI IAVAZZO

Head Chef London Bridge – Toni’s pizza is pure childhood magic, fusing two of his favourite Neapolitan dishes: pasta e piselli (pasta & peas) and lemon mussels. Finished with smoked stracciatella and a cheeky bit of vegan nduja to bring the fire – it’s a wild ride, but it bangs.

ANDRES DONATO PALOMBIZO

Head Chef Selfridges – Andres’s pizza is all about innovation and unexpected harmony. Venison slices meet a rich portobello mushroom mix, creating a wild flavour combo that just works. A bold move – and a beautiful one.

These five chefs will go pizza to pizza in the Doughdown final, so watch this space to see who will be the 2025 Doughdown champion and whose pizza we’ll be eating this October.

Big love and a shout out to all our talented and brilliant chefs who took part in this year's Doughdown. Check out the carousel below to see all the chefs and their creations.