WINNING one Best for Pizza award is an achievement but winning two, back-to-back, is amazing.
That’s exactly what Oakwood Smoke and Dough at Oakwood Marina has done.
Owner Gemma Woods picked up last year’s Italian-themed award and has added this year’s title to the collection – Best for Pizza 2023.
Each week, we will be searching for the best Mid Cheshire has to offer in different categories.
Oliver Gibney Hairdressing took the first Best of 2023 title – Best for Hair in Mid Cheshire – and Ka Pie is officially Best for Pies with Samantha Dean Nails and Makeup being crowned Best for Nails.
The Red Lion in Little Budworth is Best for Roast Dinner, Grape and Bean was announced as Best for Cocktails and Kanya Bistro and Bar is Best for Breakfast.
Simon Daniels was named Best for Fitness, The Corner Fish and Chip Shop is Best for Fish and Chips and Ink FX took the Best for Tattoos title.
Voting for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Pets is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best Independent Shop or Business.
Next on the menu were places we could get a pizza the action and Oakwood Smoke and Dough at Oakwood Marina beat off tough competition from nine other pizza places taking our latest Best of 2023 crown.
Oakwood Smoke and Dough opened at Oakwood Marina in 2021
Gemma opened the Davenham Road business in 2021 having grown up in Altrincham and moving to Northwich.
She was a chef for more than 20 years in restaurants and pubs all over Greater Manchester and after the Covid-19 pandemic, she decided to start a new street food business.
Gemma, who is 41, said: “Food has always been a passion of mine and I wanted to try something new.
“I have always loved pizza, so decided to make the best pizzas we could!
“We serve authentic handmade pizza and offer daily specials.
“We provide a takeaway service but also have an outdoor seated area at the marina where diners can enjoy the scenery while they eat their meals, and we have just added a new bar.
“The bar is a converted narrowboat with a small indoor seating area, next to our pizza shop.”
The narrowboat housing the new bar and seating area
Gemma says her business is different to other pizza places because of the love and passion they have invested over the past two years.
She said: “We have put a lot of work into making our food the best it can be.
“All our pizzas start with a handmade dough and the best ingredients.
“Our best-selling pizza is probably the diavolo, which has a tomato base, mozzarella cheese, spicy chorizo, salami and jalapeño peppers.
“Our daily specials are a popular choice, with options such as roast tikka chicken, loaded hot dogs, and delicious salads – there is something for everyone.
“We also offer vegan and gluten free options, all at reasonable prices.”
Some of the tasty alternatives to pizza at Oakwood Smoke and Dough
But what do customers at Oakwood Smoke and Dough think of the pizzas? Why did they think the company should win our latest Best of 2023 award?
A reviewer on their Facebook page said this place is a “hidden gem” and another said “fantastic, tasty and freshly made pizzas – we will be back”.
Gemma said: “We were so excited to make the shortlist again this year and absolutely thrilled to win Best for Pizza in Mid Cheshire for a second year running.
“We are so grateful to our customers – for taking the time to vote for us and for their continued support.”
For more details go to facebook.com/OakwoodSmokeAndDough
Food with a view at Oakwood Marina
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