23 Apr
How You Helped Shape Our New Vegan Pizza
by Alysa
A Pizza for Everyone: How You Helped Shape Our New Vegan Pizza
Back in January, we asked a simple question — what makes a great vegan pizza?
To find the answer, we went to the people who know best. Not just our regulars at the Westward Ho! restaurant, but the wider plant-based community across Devon and Cornwall. We shared a public survey online, inviting vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians to tell us what they love (and what they avoid) when it comes to vegan pizza.
We partnered with Cornwall and Devon Vegan to help spread the word. Their support was key to reaching a wider community of engaged plant-based diners, many of whom may not have visited us before. This collaboration made sure the feedback we received was diverse, insightful, and genuinely representative of what vegan pizza lovers are looking for.
You told us you wanted bold veg, not just fake meat. Great bases, not just vegan cheese smothered over the top. Proper thought behind the toppings, and enough of them to feel like a full meal.
So we listened.
To find the answer, we went to the people who know best. Not just our regulars at the Westward Ho! restaurant, but the wider plant-based community across Devon and Cornwall. We shared a public survey online, inviting vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians to tell us what they love (and what they avoid) when it comes to vegan pizza.
We partnered with Cornwall and Devon Vegan to help spread the word. Their support was key to reaching a wider community of engaged plant-based diners, many of whom may not have visited us before. This collaboration made sure the feedback we received was diverse, insightful, and genuinely representative of what vegan pizza lovers are looking for.
You told us you wanted bold veg, not just fake meat. Great bases, not just vegan cheese smothered over the top. Proper thought behind the toppings, and enough of them to feel like a full meal.
So we listened.
A Sell-Out Night Full of Flavour
To put those ideas to the test, we hosted a special Vegan Pizza Night on 30th January. Forty guests joined us at our Westward Ho! restaurant for an all-you-can-eat tasting menu of five brand-new plant-based pizza options. Guests scored every pizza on flavour, texture, value and whether they’d order it again.
The room was buzzing — full of thoughtful feedback, big flavours and even bigger conversations.
It was our busiest night of the month, and it felt especially good to have the restaurant full in the middle of winter. The energy in the room made it clear: there’s a real appetite for vegan pizza in North Devon.
"We were so pleased with the response. For our first event like this to sell out so quickly was amazing" said Alysa Freeman, our Marketing Manager. "We set out to create something vegans really wanted to eat, but it’s not just a ‘vegan pizza’. It’s a great pizza full stop, and it’s become one of my favourites on the menu."
The room was buzzing — full of thoughtful feedback, big flavours and even bigger conversations.
It was our busiest night of the month, and it felt especially good to have the restaurant full in the middle of winter. The energy in the room made it clear: there’s a real appetite for vegan pizza in North Devon.
"We were so pleased with the response. For our first event like this to sell out so quickly was amazing" said Alysa Freeman, our Marketing Manager. "We set out to create something vegans really wanted to eat, but it’s not just a ‘vegan pizza’. It’s a great pizza full stop, and it’s become one of my favourites on the menu."
And the Favourite Was...
Out of all five pizzas on the night, one came out firmly on top. Rated highest for flavour, texture and likelihood to order again, it was the clear winner — and it’s now officially joined our permanent menu.
Introducing the Grilled Aubergine & Rosemary
Built on a vibrant San Marzano tomato base, this pizza brings together slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, thin slices of grilled aubergine, and a bold mix of garlic, rosemary and chilli flakes. All of it sits on our signature slow-fermented dough — the same base we use across our menu, light but satisfying.
It’s smoky, herby and naturally vegan, with no substitutions. Just great ingredients treated with care. We believe it’s one of the best vegan pizzas we’ve created.
It’s smoky, herby and naturally vegan, with no substitutions. Just great ingredients treated with care. We believe it’s one of the best vegan pizzas we’ve created.
Here’s what some of you said on the night:
“Lovely crisp to the base, slight hint of chilli warmth, aubergine cooked to perfection.”
“Clean and delicious. A pizza flavoured pizza. Add fresh basil and it’s a winner.”
“Definitely order again.”
“Clean and delicious. A pizza flavoured pizza. Add fresh basil and it’s a winner.”
“Definitely order again.”
"We’re proud to have supported Pig and Olive with this initiative," said Lesley Rigg from Cornwall and Devon Vegan. "They’ve taken the time to get it right. Not just ticking a box, but really investing in what plant-based pizza can be."
What Happens Now?
The Grilled Aubergine & Rosemary is now available from all three of our kitchens — Westward Ho!, Barnstaple, and the mobile van.
Some of the other creative toppings from the night may well return as limited-time specials, depending on seasonality and feedback.
We really hope you enjoy this new pizza. Thank you for helping us bring it to life.
We’re so grateful to everyone who helped shape this launch — from survey feedback to guest scores on the night. Your insight helped us create something with real staying power. And we’re proud it came from within our community.
Some of the other creative toppings from the night may well return as limited-time specials, depending on seasonality and feedback.
We really hope you enjoy this new pizza. Thank you for helping us bring it to life.
We’re so grateful to everyone who helped shape this launch — from survey feedback to guest scores on the night. Your insight helped us create something with real staying power. And we’re proud it came from within our community.