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Andover Advertiser Friday 20th June

Charles Elliman Reporter

@reportercharli3

ONE of the Test Valley's favourite places to grab a slice of pizza, or two, is celebrating two awards in a week.

Nidge's Artisan Pizza Kitchen was awarded a five-star hygiene rating by Test Valley Borough Council and Takeaway & Mobile Food Business of the Year at the South England Prestige Awards.

Nigel Male, better known as 'Nidge', who runs his mobile kitchen with "work wife" Trish Watkinson, said their success was down to "taking pride in what we do."

Noting the recent inspection, he said he "felt strongly about it" and a five five-star hygiene rating "should be something that is standard."

He also said it was down to their "regulars." To them, he said: "Thank you. We can't do what we do without you."

Nidge, 55, has been running his business since 2021, but his experience with Italian food goes back to when he worked in an Italian restaurant as a teenager.

Following a career as an electrician, he decided to open Nidge's Artisan Pizza Kitchen after a friend of his died during COVID-19.

Nidge said: "It was his dying wish that all his family and friends would follow their dreams. I think we have done him proud.

Announcing the results of the hygiene rating on June 19, Nidge said: "Tonight on location at Grateley, we had a surprise visit from Test Valley Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team for a spot (and annual) inspection.

"We’re delighted to announce that—just as expected—everything was in perfect order, and we’ve retained our five-star food hygiene rating.

Nidge, 55, has been running his business since 2021, but his experience with Italian food goes back to when he worked in an Italian restaurant as a teenager.

Following a career as an electrician, he decided to open Nidge's Artisan Pizza Kitchen after a friend of his died during COVID-19.

Nidge said: "It was his dying wish that all his family and friends would follow their dreams. I think we have done him proud.

Announcing the results of the hygiene rating on June 19, Nidge said: "Tonight on location at Grateley, we had a surprise visit from Test Valley Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team for a spot (and annual) inspection.

"We’re delighted to announce that—just as expected—everything was in perfect order, and we’ve retained our five-star food hygiene rating.

Thank you to our loyal customers for continuing to support our small business. We’ll keep doing our best to serve you safely, professionally, and deliciously.

Revealing the business's Prestige Awards win on June 18, he said: "This award means so much to our little family-run business, and it wouldn’t be possible without our amazing customers, incredible team, and supportive local communities."

We are very proud to of been presented with the awards of "Best Takeaway in Hampshire" and "Mobile Food Business of the Year" in the 2024/2025 Prestige Business Awards.

We also celebrated our 3rd Birthday on the 3rd September, our friends and Burbidges Bakery created these to help celebrate the Occasion.

We are delighted to announce that today it has been announced that we have been chosen for 2 Prestige Business Awards.

Love Andover

Andover Advertiser

Takeaway of the year 2024/24.  South of England

Hi Nigel,

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you today. It’s extra special to know all the hard work is paying off – perfect timing for summer and something really positive to build on now. I will highlight all the information and if you need anything else at all just let me know.
As discussed, I am extremely pleased to announce you have been successful in winning the award for:

TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR - HAMPSHIRE.

Mobile Food Business of the Year 2024/25  London and South East

Hi Nigel,

Nice to speak with you and I’m pleased I could share some good news. I’ll be at the event in the summer so it will be good to meet you there.

As discussed, we were pleased to consider you for the category, Mobile Food Business of the Year and as confirmed, you have been selected as our 2024 winner. Congratulations again, Nigel.

Our decision-making focuses on the evidence each nominee submits and the reviews and testimonials from customers- which in your case were very positive.

We appreciate what you have achieved in a short space of time is really impressive. The pizzas are clearly loved with many people saying the food is excellent every time they visit you. The pizzas are full of flavour and described as delicious. Customers explain it’s always a friendly, professional service and they are never waiting too long. It’s great to see such positive feedback and we are pleased to recognise your hard work.