A bubbly and sociable atmosphere with, more importantly, quality artisanal pizza.

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On the riverside in picturesque Sandwich, a former cadet centre has been transformed into a pizzeria restaurant with a bubbly and sociable atmosphere and, more importantly, quality artisanal pizza.

The Drill Hall is decked out with comfortable rattan furniture, as well as Viking-style long benches for big groups and smaller sofa corners for a more intimate setting. The tall industrial ceiling is enclosed by huge garden umbrellas decked out with festoon lighting for a DIY but cutesy feel. There is art from local creatives for sale on the walls, there are regular magic and comedy nights, ‘Wine and Pizza’ events and even ‘Paint & Sip’ evenings. It’s also a ‘zero to landfill’ business, using compostable napkins and pizza serving platters – so it has good vibes all round!

Over at the Stour Lounge, the bar has lager, ale and cider on tap, as well as wines by the glass and a very well stocked back bar of spirits. The first thing you notice is the mix of people, from couples enjoying their pizza with a glass of wine through to families and a group of walkers.

Over in the corner, pizza chefs are stretching out the dough and stoking up the beautiful woodfired oven that adds a real authenticity to the space.

On our visit we opted for the amici della carne (£16.40) – a pizza segmented into four meaty quarters, with spicy Italian pepperoni, cooked ham, crispy pancetta and zinging fennel sausage. It was covered in a rich tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. A really fresh option for a dip into numerous carnivorous flavours.

We also had the mascalzone (£15.80) – packed with sweet caramelised red onion, creamy melted mascarpone and beautifully salty Speck ham, sprinkled with parmesan. Both were served up in mere minutes on beautifully crispy bases, with those small charred touches brought on from the roaring fire. Really, really good.

It’s also great for vegans (the owners are both vegans), with numerous plant-based options and alternatives on many of the pizzas. The menu has calzone and classic pizzas as well as the burrata special. Finally, the gelataria offers a selection of home-made gelato and sorbetto including flavours such as cookies and cream, salted caramel and rum & raisin, plus the vegan option of vanilla and brownie.

All in all, it was a thoroughly good meal in a warm and friendly place. Buono.