Franco Manca, a well-known pizzeria chain, is set to open a new restaurant in a historic building on Bold Street this September. The restaurant will occupy the former Rennies Gallery, and to mark the occasion, the company plans to give away 1,000 pizzas.
Franco Manca, which describes itself as “sourdough pizza pioneers,” was established in 2008 by Giuseppe Mascoli and Bridget Hugo in Brixton Market, London. Since then, the chain has expanded to more than 50 locations across the UK.
The restaurant is known for offering an “authentic and honest Neapolitan experience” with its pizza. Founder Giuseppe Mascoli emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, stating, “Whatever can be made by hand, should be made by hand — this is the leading idea.” The menu features classic options like mozzarella and basil, as well as cured ham and mushroom. Other offerings include truffle pesto pizzas with smoked burrata and mushrooms, and spiced chicken on a roasted courgette base.
All pizzas are made with sourdough, but Franco Manca also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. In addition to pizzas, the menu includes salads, cheese and meat boards, nibbles, and desserts.
The new location will be housed in the building that formerly belonged to Rennies Gallery, a family-run business founded by Ronald and Jean Rennie in 1965. The gallery, which had several locations in Liverpool, St Helens, and Wirral, closed in 2022 and has remained vacant until now.