Cattivo opened last summer with its classic Neapolitan sourdough pizzas at the Old Kennels on the edge of Cirencester Park.
Cattivo means ‘Bad Boys’ in Italian as we made our second visit to the Cirencester hot spot.
The brainchild of old school friends Toby Baggott and Sam Lawson-King – the same team behind Roots + Seeds and previously The Scenic Supper. But they’ve enlisted help from Mike Robinson, champion of sustainable wild food and game and the man behind restaurants like the Harwood Arms in Fulham, London, The Woodsman in Stratford-upon-Avon and The Elder in Bath.
Since our last visit, – the team has been tweaked and two new key signings have taken Cattivo to another level.
Head chef Russell Brookman brings 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Following the Covid 19 pandemic, Russell worked as head chef in a trendy bistro cafe just outside Antwerp, before returning to England to work as a pizza chef where he discovered his passion for Italian food, and in particular, pizza.
Working alongside Russell is Dan Egan, also a seasoned pizza pro. Dan has many years’ experience perfecting the art of pizza-making. Formerly the owner and head chef at Big Slice Pizza Co, Dan earned a reputation for crafting exceptional Neapolitan pizzas that garnered a loyal following in Brighton and Hove.
After stepping away from Big Slice Pizza Co and relocating to Gloucestershire, Dan has focused on further honing his skills and sharing his passion for pizza.
What we tried
Warmly greeted on a sun-kissed Saturday – we started with a delicious Margarita Classico and a focaccia Bruschetta sourdough. The bruschetta was out of this world. Fresh focaccia adorned with pesto Parmesan and olives.
What followed can only be described as jaw-dropping. I picked Cacciatore – The Hunter and my partner went for the Truffle Hunter. The pizzas were just as expected and more. Definitely up a level from our first visit. Sourdough was crispy. Topping were ample and most importantly perfectly cooked. Crisp but mouth-watering venison sausage and mushroom on mine – simply divine.
The san Marzano tomatoes were plump and all the combination of flavours was faultless. My partner loves truffle and the truffle hunter did not disappoint.
The fior de latte cheese was on all pizzas and added an extra touch of Neapolitan authenticity. We were then treated to a pot of warm honey which we dipped our pizza crusts in – our plates were now empty.
Finally, we ordered and shared “ Nonna’s tiramisu”. Creamy and with that hint of coffee to pick you up as its name translates. It’s not hard to see why this is the only dessert they have on the menu and has now become Instagram famous.
Huge compliments to the newly appointed chefs. Cattivo has definitely gone up a level. A quiet confidence in their menu and a full restaurant.
Obviously the “ bad boys” are doing something right.
All Cattivo Pizzas cost from £13 – £17. Children’s pizza is £6.50 with all orders taken at the counter. No bookings or phone orders.
Paid carpark available – first hour free, no registration needed.
Cattivo Pizza, The Old Kennels, Cirencester Park, Cirencester, GL7 1UR
