Our Story
Making genuine Italian pizza with dedication since 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'BrightStart started with a humble vision: to share true Neapolitan pizza with London. The Thompson family established our pizza shop in 1985, beginning as a quaint, family-operated business with recipes passed down for generations.
Emily Thompson, our pioneer, acquainted herself with the craft of pizza creation during her journey around Italy, learning from renowned pizza masters in Naples—the cradle of pizza. When she came back to the UK, her mission was to replicate the enchantment of authentic Italian pizza, maintaining traditional techniques and premium materials.
Our beginnings were as a cozy pizzeria with 12 seats, and now we’ve evolved into a cherished neighborhood fixture. However, our devotion to excellence and originality remains steadfast. We continue to employ classic wood-fired ovens, prepare our dough freshly every day, and seek out the utmost quality in ingredients.
Presently, 'BrightStart is still in the hands of the Thompson family, with the legacy carried on by the next generation. Although we have adopted contemporary advancements, the essence of our operations endures the same: we’re committed to producing scrumptious, genuine pizza that unites folks.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
We procure the most fresh, top-tier ingredients, collaborating with nearby growers and Italian suppliers to guarantee true tastes.
Traditional Methods
Our pizzas are made following age-old traditions, with a dough that ferments for two full days and is baked inside authentic wood-fueled ovens.
Community Focus
We strive to be more than a mere eatery—we are an integral part of the local scene, supporting neighborhood activities and fostering a space where everyone is welcomed.
Sustainability
Our commitment is toward eco-friendly practices, from minimizing food waste to utilizing sustainable packaging and backing sustainable agriculture.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated individuals who create our delectable pizzas
Emily Thompson
Owner & Head Chef
The second-generation proprietor trained in Naples and has perfected our recipes for over 15 years.
Alexa Torres
Executive Chef
An Italy-trained chef bringing a 12-year culinary journey to our kitchen, focusing on fresh, seasonal offerings.
Luca Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A Naples native, Luca has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of pizza and mentors all our aspiring pizza chefs.
Emma White
Restaurant Manager
Emma ensures each visitor enjoys an outstanding dining experience and directs our hospitality team with friendliness and proficiency.
Ethan Wu
Sommelier & Beverage Director
Ethan oversees our wine and drinks selection, specializing in Italian vintages and the ideal matches for pizza.
What Our Customers Say
This Neapolitan pizza is the most legitimate I’ve savored outside Italy. The crust is impeccably chewy and sports those signature charred patches that a wood-fired oven creates beautifully.
David Anderson
I’m enamored with 'BrightStart's commitment to local products and eco-friendly practices. You can discern the quality distinction with every morsel. Their seasonal creations are always eagerly awaited!
Emily Davis
I've been a regular for ages and the quality is consistently top-notch. The staff welcomes you as if you're family, and the pizza is simply divine. The Truffle Mushroom pizza is a must-try!
Chris Lopez
Awards & Recognition
Premier Pizza Establishment in Karlport
Rural Gastronomy Honors, 2019-2023
UK's Top 50 Pizza Places
Countrywide Food Critiques, 2021-2023
Certified Neapolitan Pizza Craftsmen
True Naples Pizza Association, 2018
Award for Eco-Friendly Commerce
Provincial Green Industry Association, 2022
Come Visit Us
Indulge in the essence of true Italian pizza within a cozy, welcoming ambiance