Hundreds of independent pizza operators from across the country entered the competition, all hoping to put their pizza, their team and their business on a national stage.
But it was Stubby's Pizza in Norfolk that came out on top.
Meet Britain's Best Pizza: the Black Dynamite
Stubby's winning pizza, Black Dynamite, brings together black pudding, nduja sausage, mozzarella, chives and crispy chilli oil. The judges praised its light and airy dough, distinctive flavour and aroma, creative use of ingredients and striking appearance, helping it stand out among some of Britain's best pizza creations.
For owner Ben Stubbs and the team, the win marks the latest chapter in a story that started well before Stubby's had a permanent home.
From pizza trailer to award-winning pizzeria
Ben founded Stubby's Pizza in 2017, initially serving pizzas from a mobile trailer.
The business grew steadily before opening its bricks-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of Sheringham in 2021, where the team has continued to build a reputation for creative, quality pizza.
Now it can add Britain's Best Pizza 2026 to the list.
“I’m absolutely humbled by the result – well and truly blindsided. This award means so much to me, my family and the whole team at Stubby’s. A massive thank you to all customers, friends and family who have supported Stubby’s since we opened our doors back in 2021. Your support means the world to us and without it we wouldn’t be here right now winning Britain’s Best Pizza. They say you’re only as good as your staff and this award is also a testament to them. I’m incredibly lucky to have them and never take that for granted.”
Ben Stubbs, owner of Stubby's Pizza
How Britain's Best Pizza was decided
Britain's Best Pizza was created by Arla Pro to celebrate the skill, creativity and craft behind the UK's independent pizza scene. This year, hundreds of entries were narrowed down to 15 shortlisted operators, before three businesses reached the final stage. Leading pizza consultant and pizzaiolo Marco Fuso, alongside food reviewers Paul and Gerry from BiteTwice, then visited each finalist at their own pizzeria.
The judges tasted both the operator's competition pizza and a classic Margherita, assessing each business on appearance, flavour, innovation, sustainability and service.
It meant the pizzas were judged where they really matter: in the operators' own kitchens and businesses.
Celebrating independent pizza operators
As the winner of Britain's Best Pizza 2026, Stubby's Pizza receives £5,000 for the business, alongside an exclusive pizza masterclass with Marco Fuso.
“A huge congratulations to Stubby's Pizza on being crowned Britain's Best Pizza 2026! With hundreds of entries from across the country, the standard of competition this year has been incredibly high, making this a fantastic achievement. Britain's Best Pizza is all about celebrating the passion, creativity and dedication of independent pizza operators, and Stubby's Pizza is a brilliant example of the talent we have here in the UK. We're delighted to recognise their hard work and can't wait to see what the future holds for them.”
Matthew Walker, UK Foodservice Senior Director at Arla Foods
For us, Britain's Best Pizza is about giving independent operators a platform to show what they can do and celebrating the people pushing the UK pizza scene forward.
Congratulations to Ben and the whole Stubby's team.
