(Image: Supplied)
A back garden pizza venture born during lockdown is set to open a spot in the city centre.
Jay’s Pizza Project, which began in Kippax during the Covid-19 lockdown, will launch at Darley Street Market in Bradford after growing from a home-based start-up to a Yorkshire-wide business.
Founder Jay, said: "What started as a way to share something good with neighbours during lockdown completely changed my life.
"Every pizza we make is built on a genuine passion for the craft, respect for tradition and a desire to keep improving.
"I’m excited to bring that passion to Darley Street Market and introduce people to both the classics and some of the incredible pizzas that Italians have been enjoying for generations."
After receiving an enthusiastic response from neighbours in 2020, Jay began making and selling pizzas from home, with weekend orders quickly selling out.
This led to bookings for private parties, corporate events and community gatherings across Yorkshire.
Jay said the business wouldn’t have grown without the support of his wife.
He said: "I couldn't have done it without my wife, Angela, who encouraged me to be brave and focus on pizza when the opportunity arose.
"She has been there from the beginning, helping to build the business, managing relationships with customers and clients, and helping establish the business's reputation.
"As we say – we make pizza, pizza made us."
Jay’s Pizza Project, which began in Kippax during the Covid-19 lockdown, will launch at Darley Street Market in Bradford (Image: Supplied)
Inspired by visits to Naples and traditional Italian pizza-making, Jay has developed a menu that blends classic Neapolitan favourites with seasonal specials and lesser-known regional combinations.
He uses Italian-sourced ingredients and a long-fermentation dough method.
The new venture will take over the unit previously occupied by Pizzeria Il Forno.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Finance, Resources and Growth, said: "It's great to see Jay's Pizza Project joining the line-up at Darley Street Market.
"Jay's authentic Neapolitan pizzas complement the diverse range of independent traders that make the market an exciting destination in the heart of Bradford."
Jay’s Pizza Project will offer a selection of pizzas made using traditional methods, including long-fermented dough and ingredients sourced from Italy.
The business will operate from Darley Street Kitchen on the market’s upper floor, which houses a mix of independent food and drink traders offering global cuisine, casual dining, and family-friendly options.
The move marks a new chapter for the business, which started in a Kippax back garden and has since built a reputation for quality and authenticity.