Gigi's Pizza founders run six-month kitchen residency at new Stokes Croft venue

Gigi's Pizza has begun a six-month residency in the kitchen of Super Nature, a music cafe and record shop in Stokes Croft. The arrangement allows the East Bristol pizzeria to operate a second site while maintaining its primary location on Old Market Street.

Super Nature opened in October 2026. Rapha, one of the co-founders of Gigi's, described the partnership as an opportunity to test a new format. The residency will run through the first half of 2027.

The menu at the Stokes Croft location differs significantly from the Old Market site. While the original location focuses on pizza, the new kitchen will serve a range of red sauce comfort food. Items include chicken parmigiana, large bowls of pasta, and Caesar salads.

Rapha noted that the pizza served at Super Nature is prepared in a distinct style. He described it as thinner, more charred, and crispier than the offerings at the flagship store. The change reflects a long-standing desire to diversify the menu beyond single dish items.

Gigi's Pizza opened its first location in November 2024. Since then, the business has expanded its footprint along Old Market Street by securing additional space. Rapha attributed the growth to steady patronage and community support.

"It's been pretty relentless since day one, in the best possible way," Rapha said. He explained that the team has grown slowly, taking on more square footage as demand increased. The expansion to Stokes Croft represents the latest step in that process.

Rapha addressed the current conditions in the hospitality sector. He characterized the industry as challenging but not without opportunity. He advised customers to support local, independent businesses rather than relying on large chains or delivery platforms.

"My advice is, avoid going to chains at all costs, go local and independent, make the effort, go to the damn restaurant and stop ordering Deliveroo and Uber - they are blood sucking vampires," he said. He emphasized that the team enjoys their work and values their employees.

The founders intend to keep the business independent. Rapha stated that they are not interested in rapid expansion for its own sake. Their goal is to maintain high food quality and create spaces where customers spend time.

The residency at Super Nature aligns with these goals. Rapha said the new kitchen allows for collaborations with local musicians and charities. He expressed gratitude for the support received since opening the first location in late 2024.