AN award-winning pizzeria in Worcester has been named the best in the region – and has decided to share the secret behind what makes its food so good.
Pizza By Vinnie, which sits on the first floor at The Oil Basin, has been recognised as the best Vegetarian or Vegan Restaurant at the Midlands Food Drink and Hospitality Awards 2026.
Pizza chef Vincenzo Crudele opened his business in Worcester in 2023 and has since made a name for himself on the national stage with award nominations.
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The 32-year-old said: “It is a really good achievement and I could not believe it.
“I was speechless when we were mentioned for the 2024 award as finalists nationally but this time we have won it.
Pizza By Vinnie is on the first floor of the Oil Basin Brewhouse, on Copenhagen Street. (Image: Newsquest)
“And it’s even more of an achievement considering we are a small kitchen in a pub in Worcester ”
The secret behind Pizza By Vinnie restaurant success
Mr Crudele revealed the secret behind the success of his business on Copenhagen Street is thanks to two things.
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He said it first comes from his early career as a pizza chef in Italy that began when he was a teenager.
“I have always been doing this, so I know how to do it properly,” he said.
The second reason is his unique offering of vegetarian and vegan food, which provides a variety of choices.
He added: “I am vegan- I wanted to make vegetarian and vegan food and make people happy.
“I worked in Italy until I was 24 and I am now 32.
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“All that hard work is now paying off.”
Mr Crudele described how once customers try his pizza they become obsessed and some end up coming weekly to his restaurant.
“The support from my customers has been great and without them I would not have gotten here,” he added.
In 2024, Pizza by Vinnie was one of a select few finalists for Pizza Chef of the Year 2024, part of the PAPA Industry Awards, and said he was honoured to be named a finalist in London.
