Pizza Da Mario opens in Sheep Market, Stamford

A pair of best friends, keen to introduce people to the delight of Neapolitan cuisine, have welcomed customers to their restaurant.

Life was brought back to 1 Sheep Market in Stamford, as Marius Note and Ize Cufi opened Pizza Da Mario today (December 1).

The building, which sits below the bus station, was previously a lettings agency but the ground floor, which is owned and leased by South Kesteven District Council, has been empty since December 2019.

Now it is buzzing with people enjoying pizza, after almost five months of preparation and restoration.

Marius, 35, said: "It's been enjoyable and challenging at the same time.

"It is a small place but we used a lot of details. Everything took time as much of it was custom made."

For Marius and Ize it was important for the business to reflect Italian culture with produce directly from the Naples region, a traditional atmosphere and a bespoke pizza oven, brought in from Italy and installed by experts.

Due to it's traditional high temperature, it will allow chefs to cook pizzas in about one minute.

Marius said: "We want to do something and do it right. How can you do an artisan pizzeria if you use products which aren't from Naples?"

As well as this, they are supporting small businesses in the area when possible.

The paved area at the front of the building will be utilised with Parisian-style seating, and plants and flowers to give it a cheery feel.

Marius and Ize hope to work with the Stamford Civic Society and Stamford in Bloom to achieve this.

"I'm a keen gardener and I love greenage. It's good for you and your mental health to relax outdoors.

"It will look a lot prettier than currently with the rocks," said Marius.

However, there are concerns due to vandals often damaging businesses and the bus station, which Marius says is heartbreaking.

The business has CCTV covering the building which they hope will deter them.

"If something happens we won't leave it otherwise we invite them to do it again and again. We've put everything into this business," said Marius.

Within hours of announcing the opening, the business was inundated with hundreds of bookings. Walk-ins are also welcomed.

Marius, who will be working in the kitchen while Ize does front of house, said: "It's encouraged us more knowing the demand is there."

As well as serving pizza, the business offers alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, and is open from 9.30am for coffee and traditional Italian pastries.