National Pizza Day: Bolton Crowned UK's Cheapest City for Margherita

Great news for pizza enthusiasts across the United Kingdom: next Monday marks National Pizza Day, a perfect occasion to indulge in a delicious slice. For those planning to celebrate in culinary style, you are in luck, as the nation's most affordable city for pizza has been officially revealed. Recent comprehensive data highlights significant regional price variations for this beloved dish.

Northern Dominance in Affordable Pizza Rankings

The average cost for a standard 12-inch margherita pizza across the UK stands at £11.27, according to the latest research. However, savvy diners can slash almost £3 off this price in specific locations nationwide. Bolton has been crowned the cheapest area in the entire UK for a margherita pizza, with an average price of just £8.32. Even when compared to its neighbouring city Manchester, where the average is £9.42, Bolton residents save nearly one-tenth of the cost. Despite its modest size, this town boasts an impressive 99 pizza takeaway establishments, making it the ultimate destination for budget-conscious margherita lovers.

Middlesbrough secures a close second place, with pizza enthusiasts paying an average of £8.33 for a 12-inch pizza. This remarkably budget-friendly price sits over one-quarter, specifically 28.94 percent, below the national average. With 84 pizza takeaways available, residents are not only saving money but are also spoiled for choice. Ranking in third is Huddersfield, where a 12-inch takeaway margherita pizza costs £8.70. With 89 pizza outlets to select from, locals can grab a slice at roughly three-quarters of the national average price.

Regional Highlights and Expert Insights

Overall, northern towns and cities emerge as the premier locations for securing an affordable pizza, with data from Alliance Online demonstrating their dominance across the top ten rankings. Yorkshire shines particularly bright as an affordable region, offering excellent news for pizza lovers in Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford. Meanwhile, Dundee is home to Scotland's most economical pizza, averaging £10.25 for a 12-inch margherita. This price is marginally cheaper than the capital, Edinburgh, where the average is £10.49.

In Wales, pizza is most affordable in Swansea, costing residents an average of £10.89, which is 27 percent more expensive than in Bolton, the cheapest location. Rachael Kiss, marketing manager at Alliance Online, commented: 'The UK is a nation of pizza lovers, and our research uncovers the best places to enjoy a slice (or two) without spending a fortune. Northern England, in particular, stands out as the most budget-friendly region for pizza enthusiasts.'

She added: 'With affordability a continuing factor for customers, make sure you optimise your business to cater for delivery and takeaways. Whether you decide to do this internally or opt into one of the popular online delivery services, ensure you are equipped with disposable pizza boxes, containers, and more. As proud suppliers to independent restaurants and takeaways across the UK, we have seen first-hand the skill and dedication that goes into crafting the perfect pizza. Whether you are a professional chef or simply enjoy making pizza at home, the right tools can make all the difference in achieving that authentic taste.'