Try our Champion Pizzaiolo’s Special

Franco Manca is proud to announce that Enrico, Head Pizzaiolo at our Westbourne Grove pizzeria, has won this year's Sourdough Cup. Visit Franco Manca this August to enjoy this winning pizza.

Q: What is the Sourdough Cup and why is it special?
A: Every year, all the Franco Manca teams across the country compete in the Sourdough Cup, crafting bespoke pizzas and battling to become the champion pizzaiolo. The final was such a great day. Held in Richmond earlier this year, Enrico explained that seeing what every team presented was so inspiring. It was a true celebration of creativity, skill, and teamwork.

Q: Who won the Sourdough Cup 2025?
A: Westbourne Grove! Champion Pizzaiolo Enrico led the Westbourne Grove team to victory, a proud moment for the entire team. Head Chef Enrico joined Franco Manca in 2021 and has spent the past four years dedicated to sourdough and simple, high-quality ingredients  “I’ve been lucky to work with such great people, that’s what makes it special,” he says.

Q: Tell us about the winning pizza
A: Enrico and his team wanted to create a pizza that reflected both the sweet and salty moments of life. The result? At yellow tomato base, something playful and different, topped with crispy speck for texture, Franco’s signature mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, basil and a Pecorino cream.

Q: What’s Enricos’ favourite ingredient on the pizza?
A: The pecorino cream is something fun and different. A nod to Enrico’s Sardinian roots, with Sardinia being the home of Pecorino Romano, he wanted to highlight this cheese in a personal and honest way. But the roasted tomatoes are the star of the show for Enrico. Roasted slowly in balsamic vinegar, thyme, and sugar to bring out the best of this humble ingredient it’s the element Enrico is most excited about.

Q: What does this win mean to Enrico and the team?
A: “When we won I was speechless, it was amazing to make my team so proud. In my opinion, the pizza is amazing, everyone who has tried it loves it!” says Enrico. “It was brilliant to win and make my team proud. I’m so excited for people across the UK to taste it.”

This special pizza was available in August 2025.