New pizza collaboration proves a hit after setting up at historic city pub - here's how to get one

Pizza lovers are going wild for a new collaboration at an historic city pub.
Wild Fire Pizza at Ship IsisWild Fire Pizza at Ship Isis
Wild Fire Pizza at Ship Isis

After building up a firm following at weekend events held at the former Holmeside Coffee in the Museum and Winter Gardens, Wild Fire Pizza has a new home at The Ship Isis in Silksworth Row.

In their first few weeks of trading, they’ve regularly sold out of the 300 Neapolitan-style pizzas they make each week.

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Josh Wild, who set up Wild Fire after his hand-stretched pizzas proved a hit with friends and family, says he’s delighted with the response.

Wild Fire Pizza owners Josh Wild and Joe Collins (R) are now operating from Ship Isis.Wild Fire Pizza owners Josh Wild and Joe Collins (R) are now operating from Ship Isis.
Wild Fire Pizza owners Josh Wild and Joe Collins (R) are now operating from Ship Isis.

"I knew we had a following from Holmeside, but I never expected it to be as popular as it has been,” said Josh. “We do 50 pizzas a night on Wednesday and Thursday, 75 on a Friday and Saturday and 60 on a Sunday and we’ve been sold out every Friday and Saturday.”

He’s teamed up with Joe Collins of The Little Shop to relaunch Wild Fire at its new base and together they prepare six varieties of pizza, with dough made from a 48-hour ferment, in the specialist igloo pizza oven they’ve installed in the Ship Isis kitchen, as well as two specials and sides.

Joe, who’s had great success in the city with his former Holmeside Coffee and his current business The Little Shop, which both champion independents, says it’s great to see so much support for local businesses as the country eases out of lockdown.

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“The Ship Isis were looking for a new food offering and I think us setting up here really plays to each other’s strengths,” he said. “It’s a really casual dining offering people where people can walk in, sit and have a drink and a good pizza, we make everything with really fresh ingredients.”

The White Bronco from the Wild Fire main menuThe White Bronco from the Wild Fire main menu
The White Bronco from the Wild Fire main menu

Josh, who uses local suppliers such as Fat Unicorn in Mackie’s Corner and Newcastle’s Block and Bottle, added: “It’s great to give people a reason to stay local, there’s so many more openings and more happening in Sunderland at the moment.”

After reopening post-lockdown, the pub has also created a new beer garden to the rear of the site so people can also enjoy the pizzas al fresco.

Joe said: “The pub’s capacity has grown with the outdoor area and people eating upstairs too, and it’s been great to be able to serve to the bar.”

*Wild Fire Pizzas are served Wednesday to Thursday 5pm to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 2pm-9pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm, or until they’re sold out. There is a take away option, but it’s not a service available during busy periods.

All pizzas are hand-stretchedAll pizzas are hand-stretched
All pizzas are hand-stretched

What’s on the menu

::WILD FIRE 2.0 (£10)

San Marzano Tomatoes, Fior di Latte, Block & Bottle Nduja, Fat Unicorn Napoli Salami , Chillies, B-Sting Hot Honey

::White Bronco (£10)

Chicken sidesChicken sides
Chicken sides

Crème Fraîche, Fior Di Latte, Block & Bottle Smoked Bacon Bits, Mushrooms, Black Pepper, Garlic, Parmesan

::O.D.B (£9)

San Marzano Tomatoes, Fior di Latte, Fat Unicorn Pepperoni, Oregano

::O.g (veggie) (£8)

San Marzano Tomatoes, Fior di Latte, Parmesan, Basil

::Fresh Prince (veggie) (£8.50)

Food is served both indoors and outdoorsFood is served both indoors and outdoors
Food is served both indoors and outdoors

San Marzano Tomatoes, Fior di Latte, Red & Yellow Vine Tomatoes, Basil Oil, Garlic, Parmesan

::The Blueprint (vegan) (£6.50)

San Marzano Tomatoes, Fresh Garlic, Kaltur Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oregano + Aged Parmesan (Not Suitable For Vegetarians) £1

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