The Peel Wood-Fired Kitchen

Tom and Laura Yates made the life-changing decision in 2016 to fulfil Tom’s ambition of ditching the day job (as a letting agent) and setting up a catering van. He is ably supported by Laura who was – and is still is, part-time – an English teacher. Both are self-confessed foodies and this cheerful team have quickly established an excellent product and are doing the rounds of festivals, food fairs, markets and private events.

Tom and Laura are keen to highlight the fact they place a strong emphasis on quality and taste, combining seasonal locally sourced and authentic Italian ingredients. The pizzas are cooked traditionally at very high temperatures giving them the taste and appearance that ready-made pizzas can never come near.

The Peel menu varies but contains all the classics as well as a few more adventurous varieties.

When we visited Laura and Tom (and the superbly presented van, offering full views of the wood-fired oven) it was on a rather grey and damp Sunday at a local food fair. We opted for the salami pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte Mozzarella. The pizzas take only a matter of minutes to prepare and cook from scratch so the wait time is minimal and ours was tasty and authentic, with a great base, along with friendly and enthusiastic service – a perfect pick-me-up on a drizzly December day.

The Peel Wood-Fired Kitchen attends food fairs and festivals around the region and is available for private hire.

By Abby Brennan, Nottinghamshire editor