Peter Pizza: Quirky Italian restaurant 35 minutes from Derby is a must-visit for pizza fans

I don’t think there is any food that is more boldly versatile than pizza.

The heady combination of cheese and bread means it can be enjoyed in any season, in any mood, and is usually easy on the pocket too.

Peter Pizzeria on Baxter Gate, Loughborough ticks all these boxes and more. 

Being a short 35-minute drive from Derby city centre is a bonus. 

We went along to visit the authentic Italian restaurant in Loughborough which is one of three branches in the East Midlands.

Peter Pizzas are a hot favourite with the family, so it was only a matter of time before I landed there. 

We visited on Easter Monday which was a little quiet, we were just one of two tables during lunchtime service.

However, I can imagine the place to be filled with convivial vibes thanks to its welcoming ambiance and fun décor making it an easy place to be and hang out.

The menu has a 12-pizza offering, plus bruschetta, burrata, Insalata, rocket salad, and more.

I had the Piccante Pizza with a Strianese tomato base, topped with fior di latte.

The base had a deliciously light tang, while liberal dollops of spicy n'duja brought fire to the party.

I think the roasted peppers and onions could have benefitted from a little more time in the oven, but overall I enjoyed eating it.

A fellow diner had Diavola Pizza, which again had a Strianese tomato base.

This time the fior di latte was smoked, and this with punchy salami and chilli, made it a tasty option for both him, and me, as I will get this next time.

The menu says the dough is made daily, given a 24-hour rest, topped then baked for 90 seconds in their pizza oven, which is situated towards the back. 

I had a quick sip of a fellow diner’s Amaretto Sour cocktail and really enjoyed it. It’s a drink that I will try next time, along with a dessert of tiramisu, which alas I was too full for on this occasion.

There is much to love about Peter Pizza. The pizza is great and there is a compact cocktail list just begging to be explored. 

Good food aside, the owners clearly like to have a little fun.

A cheeky personality shines through, from the pizza sign near the entrance, dinosaur display on the till, and the bill being presented in a model of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

If friendly service, great food and good cocktails are your bag, then put Peter Pizzeria on your visit list. 

Diavola Pizza £12

Piccante Pizza £12

Address: Peter Pizzeria, 17-18 Baxter Gate, Loughborough LE11 1TG

For more information about the restaurant visit their website by clicking here.