THE owners of a popular Dumbarton pizza joint say they are “buzzing” to have scooped yet another award.

Bangin’ Pizza owners Stephen Kirkwood and Steven Galloni have been producing authentic Italian pizzas since December 2020.

The pair picked up the Highly Recommended accolade in the Best Pizza category at the Scottish Italian Awards last weekend.

Speaking about the award, Stephen told the Reporter: “We were nominated by our customers which was a nice feeling.

“We had to do a pizza cook-off as part of the competition which was an interesting experience.

“We had to take two pizzas from our menu and serve them to the Italian celebrity chef, Aldo Zilli.

“There were 25 other pizzerias in the final.

“We were quite confident because the pizzas served were the same standard as we would usually make them in the restaurant.

“We were absolutely buzzing about the award. Pizza is obviously our main focus so to be recognised for that amongst the competition was brilliant.”

The pizza joint was previously named a winner in the Lloyds Bank Small Business of 2021 awards, selected in recognition of its success during the pandemic and its contributions towards the local community.

Stephen added: “We have been passionate pizza makers as a hobby for years, and when the pandemic hit we decided to open the shop because we felt Dumbarton needed it.

“Dumbarton doesn’t have pizzas like the ones we make, and we saw a gap in the market.

“There’s a family vibe, there’s music playing and there’s a nice warm feeling when you come in.

“The main thing for us is keeping the pizza consistently good, and a lot of our customers come in weekly which is great.”

Stephen thanked both customers and staff for making the owners’ “dream come true”.

He said: “After just 11 months of business, to be involved with the very best in Italian food and businesses in the country is nothing short of a dream come true for us.

“We have to say a massive thank you all of our amazing customers, as well as our Bangin’ team who work so hard in the background making our menu the best it can possibly be.”