Birmingham’s dining scene is about to get a serious dose of Neapolitan flavour. Pizza Pilgrims – the cult pizzeria that has become synonymous with pillowy dough, playful toppings and a distinctly Italian sense of fun – has confirmed the opening date for its very first Birmingham outpost. The Grand Central pizzeria will welcome guests from Monday 3rd November, marking a major step for the brand as it expands into the West Midlands.
A New Chapter for Pizza Pilgrims
Since brothers Thom and James Elliot set off in a little three-wheeled van to bring back the secrets of authentic Neapolitan pizza more than a decade ago, Pizza Pilgrims has grown into one of the UK’s best-loved pizzeria groups. With a cult following in London, Oxford and beyond, the decision to head north to Birmingham feels like a natural next move.
The new Grand Central site – a spacious 195m² restaurant with 114 covers – has been designed to transport guests straight to the streets of Naples. Expect colourful interiors, the brand’s custom “Stretch Ape” banquet seating, and an atmosphere designed for everything from quick slices on the go to leisurely lunches washed down with a spritz.
“It’s such a vibrant city with so much cultural and food heritage,” the Elliot brothers say. “We’ve visited Grand Central so many times on our trips, so to now be opening here feels really exciting. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in for a pizza.”
Pizza with Personality
Of course, the star of the show is the pizza – and Birmingham diners can look forward to Pizza Pilgrims’ trademark 72-hour double-fermented dough, famed for its airy crust and irresistible chew. The menu combines crowd-pleasing favourites with inventive twists.
Classic options include the simple but perfect Margherita, or the cult favourite Double Pepperoni & Spicy Honey, a fiery-sweet combination that has become something of a signature dish. For those who like their pizzas playful, the Carbonara pizza – topped with creamy sauce, pancetta and even strands of spaghetti – makes its way to Birmingham, as does the 8 Cheese pizza, a molten, gooey extravaganza of dairy.
But Pizza Pilgrims isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about celebrating the quality of ingredients sourced directly from Italy. The Amalfi Coast pizza layers Cetaran DOP anchovies with Piennolo tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, olives, capers and basil. The Principessa feels regal in every sense, stacked with Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Piennolo di Vesuvio DOP tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano aged 24 months, Mozzarella di Bufala and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Meanwhile, the Burrata & Pesto pizza showcases creamy Puglian burrata, fragrant Genovese basil pesto and sweet Piennolo tomatoes for a lighter but equally decadent choice.
As with every site, the menu stays true to Naples: Caputo “00” flour, DOP San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella from Campania are staples. For the Pilgrims, authenticity is non-negotiable.
More than Just Pizza
While food is at the heart of the new opening, the brand is also committed to community and charity. Birmingham guests can get involved through the ‘Dip to Donate’ initiative, which donates 5p from every crust dip sold to the Pizza Pilgrims charity fund, currently supporting Make-A-Wish UK. It’s a small gesture, but one that has already raised thousands across the group’s restaurants.
The new site will also create 25 jobs across front- and back-of-house. At the helm is General Manager Danny Johnson, a local hospitality veteran with almost 20 years of experience. His appointment ensures that while Pizza Pilgrims brings a slice of Naples to Birmingham, it does so with a distinctly local spirit.
The Grand Central Experience
Choosing Grand Central as its Birmingham home is a strategic move. The station hub sits at the heart of the city, welcoming commuters, shoppers and visitors alike. For Pizza Pilgrims, the location allows them to capture a wide audience – from office workers grabbing a lunchtime slice to groups settling in for a post-shopping feast.
The restaurant will be open seven days a week, designed to serve “serious Neapolitan pizza joy” to anyone who passes through.
A Slice of What’s to Come
Pizza Pilgrims has always been more than just a pizzeria; it’s a celebration of Naples, from its dough-twirling traditions to its irreverent approach to toppings. For Birmingham, the arrival feels like a milestone moment, as one of London’s most recognisable restaurant names plants roots in the Midlands.
With its mix of tradition, creativity and an unshakeable focus on quality, Pizza Pilgrims’ debut in Birmingham promises to be one of the city’s most exciting openings of 2025. Whether you’re dashing between trains, browsing the Bullring or simply seeking an authentic slice of Italy, Grand Central now has a new culinary landmark.
Pizza Pilgrims Birmingham opens on Monday 3rd November at Unit MK8, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, B2 4BQ.
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