I WAS recently offered the opportunity to review a new pizza business in Basingstoke, and here is what I thought of it.

Timofei and Veronica Dragan, the husband and wife team behind Mono Pizza, are based in Brookvale near Basingstoke town centre, and the couple ensures each pizza is crafted with love and authenticity.

The collection-only pizzas are each handmade and cooked in a pizza oven and are available for pick up at Highfield Chase, just minutes away from Morrisons supermarket in Worting Road.

Taught how to make pizzas in London after having lived in Italy, business owner and chef Timofei was inspired to bring his skillset to Basingstoke residents.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Mono Pizza, based in Highfield Chase

I visited Timofei and Veronica on Friday, December 15, and tried some delicious options on Mono Pizza's menu. 

I pulled up outside Highfield Chase and was warmly welcomed by both Timofei and Veronica. I pulled up a seat and Timofei and I chatted about his passion for pizza, and looked around the converted horse box the couple used to cook up a storm.

@basingstokegazette Delicious 😋 #basingstoke #pizza #pizzatiktok ♬ Italian dance music style BGM(888630) - 2strings

I watched eagerly, like a child behind the counter, as Timofei showed me his set-up, and the freshly prepared dough, as he began pulling the pizzas to shape and scattering a variety of toppings and cheeses on top, before sliding them into the piping hot pizza oven. 

Watching the pizzas rise from behind the counter was probably the most satisfying part of the whole experience - in seconds, the dough was perfectly cooked, airy, and not soggy like some pizzas can get.

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I tried parts of three pizzas off the menu on my visit - a Margherita, Salamino and an Arte Chef. All three pizzas were delicious.

Timofei and Veronica use traditional recipes and lovely fresh ingredients, and it tells in the taste of the end product.

The best of the three for me was the Arte Chef. I don't think I'd ever tried burrata cheese, definitely not with pizza at least, but the combination was delectable and with the nice, crispy base and fluffy edge. Top that off with a tidy tomato base, a bit of melted mozzarella and rocket and the end product is top-notch. 

Mono Pizza also makes garlic bread and panini's - Timofei made me some paninis to try the next day, which me and my brother enjoyed! I thought overall the food was great, and very fairly priced 

Timofei and Veronica are also lovely people to match their pizza-making skills, and it was great fun being in their company for the evening. I would highly recommend Mono Pizza, but don't take my word for it - give Timofei and Veronica a visit and find out for yourself.

To order the pizzas, call owners Timofei and Veronica Dragan on 07392 426113.

Pizzas are available every evening between 6pm and 10pm. You can also follow Mono Pizza on Facebook and Instagram.