A York pub has launched a new pizza menu that’s going down a treat – with some saying it’s the ‘best pizza they’ve ever had’.
The Gillygate in York has brought together a tasty European combo with the finest Italian pizza created by new chef Yann Gente, who’s from France.
YorkMix spoke with The Gillygate owner Doug Smith and Yann to find out more.
“I was looking to put my pizzas out to the world,” chef Yann told YorkMix.
“I just straight up asked Doug if I could do pizzas here – and people like them! So I’m very happy.”
“It’s a blossoming friendship,” added Doug. “We’ve been looking to utilise our kitchen for a while.”
Doug is a director at the Liquid Art Group, the company that acquired the lease for The Gillygate in October 2023. They own eight venues across England, including the Saddle Inn in Fulford.
Yann has cooked all over the world. Originally from France, he started his culinary career by travelling the streets of Paris and learning his craft at multiple restaurants in France.
He came to the UK to join his mum who lived in Leeds, and spent six years working in York in different areas, including at Melton’s Restaurant on Scarcroft Road.
He then worked in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand, before returning to York.
“I knew I could do pizzas because I worked as a head chef of an Italian restaurant in York,” said Yann. “That’s where my love for pizza comes from.”
So far, the feedback to the pizzas has been amazing. “I think I get twice, three times a week people telling me it’s the best pizza they’ve ever had – there’s no better compliment than that.”
The menu includes delicious options like the Calabrese (£10) with spicy Calbrian salami, n’duja and mozzarella, and the La Reina (£10) with prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, garlic oil and mozzarella.
Or keep it simple with their Marinara (£6.50, tomato base, garlic oil) or some comforting cheesy garlic bread.
The pub have also just launched their Christmas pizza on the menu. The festive special ‘Pigs Outta Blankets’ features a white base topped with smoked cheese, pancetta, fennel sausage, and crispy roast potatoes. ‘Tis the season!
Yann is a team of one in the kitchen. All of his ingredients are sourced in Italy and he also uses an extra-hydrated 70% dough, which means that 70% of the total weight is water, making the dough airier and crispier.
As well as the pizza, there is lots to offer at The Gillygate for both locals and tourists alike.
“We’re a collection of York’s best kept secrets,” said Doug. “Everything from our beer garden overlooking the bar walls, our quaint guest rooms, Yann himself and the pizzas, to our student, NHS and hospitality discounts
“We want people to be able to come in here and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.”
“We’ve been here over a year now,” said Doug. “I think we’re the longest serving proprietors since 2018, and we put that down to the support that we get from local hospitality businesses, students, and locals that come in and keep coming in.”
The Gillygate also has several events happening throughout the week, including Open Mic every Tuesday and live music every Saturday.
They’ve also got an upcoming charity Christmas market on Sunday 15 December which will feature a variety of stalls in the beer garden at the back of the pub. A charity Christmas market will also be taking place at the Saddle Inn, Fulford, on Sunday 8 December.
To find out more about The Gillygate, visit their Facebook page here.