A NEW pizza restaurant which started as a pop-up shop has been launched in Stockbridge.

Woodfire, a Mediterranean-themed eaterie specialising in mezze platters and handmade woodfired pizzas, has been launched on Stockbridge High Street following the success of its deli counterpart Thyme & Tides.

Owner Sally Hemming said: “The launch of Woodfire is a really exciting time for us. We’ve had such a positive response to Thyme & Tides that we wanted to build on this success and open a second outlet but with a very different menu and atmosphere. When this site, the former Stokes restaurant, became available, Iain and I felt it was just too good an opportunity to miss.

“We operated as a pop-up for the first few weeks which was great fun and enabled us to receive valuable feedback from customers on what they’d like, and now we’ve opened a fabulous new place to eat, drink and relax. So far, our customers have given us the thumbs-up, which is wonderful.”

As well as offering such dishes as the pork belly and chorizo pizza, the menu also features such dishes as Moroccan lamb meatballs with yoghurt, mint and cucumber, chargrilled lemon squid, seared tuna and monkfish and chorizo skewers.

Manager Neil Downton said: “The menu’s been created by our French head chef and patissier Alex Thomelin, with input from staff and customers, so the result is a mix of delicious offerings which ensures there’s something to suit everyone. We have also chosen some wonderful wines to accompany these dishes. Whether people want to enjoy a main meal, a tasty snack or just meet friends for a drink, everyone is assured of a very warm welcome.

“Woodfire is a fabulous new concept which brings together the ingredients and food cultures from the countries that border the Mediterranean. We’re offering an extensive menu which centres around pizza and mezze while also offering salads, main dishes, sweet treats and a kids menu. We serve breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and cakes, right through to supper on Friday and Saturday evenings, so there’s something for everyone.”