Nell’s raised the pizza bar when it opened in our fair city. Taking inspiration from New York City in terms of style and toppings, the first thing you need to know about this operation is that size really does matter. All options come in two dimensions: the generous 14”, and the gargantuan 22”. The latter is designed to be shared, of course, but don’t let that stop you trying to take on a challenge in your own mind and doing the lot as a solo mission. There are no prizes though, other than perhaps an enforced and unavoidable afternoon snooze.
The NQ branch of Nell’s sits in the legendary Common (originally A Place Called Common), co-founder Jonny Heyes’ first-born bar, established back when the Northern Quarter’s nightlife scene was still in its relative infancy. The establishment is always lively, and there’s every chance you’ll find one of our hometown’s esteemed taste-making DJs spinning tunes if you visit on a weekend afternoon or evening.
As for the food, iconic options here include the Barbie & Ken – shredded mozzarella, smoked Lancs, smokey maple BBQ sauce, BBQ chicken, roast peppers, red onion, pickled chillies, chives – and the Magic Number, a vegetable delight combining mozzarella, vodka sauce, salsa verde, buffalo ricotta cream, basil oil, basil and ricotta. The list could go on, with meat lovers, vegans and veggies all looked after equally as well as non-drinkers.
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