For a Christmas party in Basingstoke that feels relaxed, sociable and a little more fun than the usual sit down office dinner, Mono Pizza brings award-winning Neapolitan pizza, Italian drinks and a welcoming, independent setting to this year's festive season.
The family-run business started life as a popular local pizza van before growing into a permanent pizzeria near The War Memorial Park, in the former Gabardine Bar. Founded by husband-and-wife team Timofei and Veronica Dragan, Mono Pizza is all about traditional Neapolitan techniques, hand-stretched dough and carefully sourced ingredients from Napoli. Timofei developed his skills in London after living in Italy and training under experienced chefs, and that Italian influence makes the food what it is today.
For Christmas parties, the restaurant can host both smaller gatherings and larger private events. The room itself has an easy, contemporary feel, with timber tables, mismatched chairs, greenery, large windows and a mix of woven and exposed-bulb lighting that keeps the atmosphere warm and informal. As for food, Mono Pizza sticks with its namesake through the festive period. Guests first start with an antipasti sharing plate of cured meats, buffalo mozzarella, salad, olives and bruschetta, or add garlic bread and burrata salad to the table.
Pizza options cover both classics and signatures. There is Margherita, Pepperoni and the Veggie Pizza, alongside Four Cheese with taleggio, gorgonzola, mozzarella and Parmesan. Pizza Rebby brings together pancetta, onion and ’nduja, while Diavola doubles down on spice with Italian salami and ’nduja. Crudo Pizza comes topped with prosciutto di Parma, rocket and fresh cherry tomatoes, and Arte Chef adds pancetta, burrata and rocket. As for dessert, stick to an Italian classic with tiramisu, pistachio cream or cannoli, while the drinks list includes Prosecco, Italian reds and whites, beer, cider, gin and cocktails such as Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Limoncello Spritz.