Slice of life: Nole sourdough pizza review

Nole on the square sits on Butcher Row, in an intimate space that only offers a handful of indoor seating across two storeys.

When the weather allows, dozens of seats also spill out onto Salisbury's Market Place, taking its place alongside a row of pubs.

It also offers takeaway pizza, as well as operating from The Pembroke Arms in Wilton, The Grosvenor Arms in Hindon, and The Dog and Gun in Netheravon.

The operation is spearheaded by Ethan Davids, a Salisbury local.

On the day in question, the heavens had opened and eating outside was not an option.

Upstairs we went.

The cheapest pizza on the menu starts at £10, which will buy you a take on the classic margherita pizza, but with locally produced Laverstoke Park Farm buffalo mozzarella.

The menu will stay the same throughout the year, but a choice of ever-changing specials will offer pizza-lovers something different and hard to find in other run of the mill pizza joints locally.

A menu on the smaller side - quality not quantity - offers six pizzas, plus a meat special and a vegan special, as well as the option for gluten free.

There are four sides - including the aubergines I treated myself too - and four dips on offer too.

A man of habit, I went for the garlic and herb dip, and would recommend.

Next time, I might pluck up the courage to try the Hibidge hot sauce.

For the main course, a number five was ordered ('nduja, Hampshire buffalo mozzarella and crispy onions), as well as the vegan special, in an attempt to be more socially conscious about my eating habits.

In days gone by, the instinct would've always been to go for the meatier option.

With tenderstem broccoli, vegan feta, and pickled shallot, it did not disappoint.

A light crust and without the grease that can so often ruin pizzas, they were clearly fresh and were both enjoyed thoroughly - exactly what was needed on a rainy summer evening.

Service from Millie was quick and friendly and unobtrusive, allowing the meal and the conversation to flow easily and naturally.

A steady flow of customers - even on a miserable Monday night - meant the atmosphere was nicely maintained, with a quiet din of those enjoying their food, accompanied by an eclectic range of music.

The Borsao Damera Garnacha, described as a "ripe and appealing red from the Campo de Borja region of north-eastern Spain' went well with the pizzas, and if it wasn't a Monday night, another bottle could've been ordered and consumed without any problems.

For pudding, and tiramisu.

I am not normally one for tiramisu or coffee-based desserts, but this will become the exception to that.

Fluffy, creamy, light, and not too heavy on the coffee by any means, the tiramisu was a perfect end to the meal.

Despite only ordering one to share between the two of us, we were not confident of finishing the generous portion, but before long it was all gone.

Upon its opening, earlier this year, Ethan said: "When we opened our first little shop in Wilton, we weren’t quite ready for the number pizzas we ended up cooking.

"The opportunity came about quite quickly in the market square, and we’re now looking to build on a strong start to life and offer the same great food in Salisbury.

“Obviously opening a restaurant with the ever-looming threat of lockdown presents its challenges, but we’re all confident that our concept works and the city centre will come back fighting once this all blows over, whenever that may be. To say we’re excited to open our doors is an understatement.”

• The vegan special - tenderstem broccoli, vegan feta and pickled shallot: £13
• Number 5 - nduja, Hampshire buffalo mozzarella and crispy onions: £13
• Side: Baked aubergine and mozzarella £6
• Wine: Borsao Damera Garnacha: £22 a bottle

Nole on the square, 4 Butcher Row, Salisbury, SP1 1EP.

Opening hours: Everyday midday-9pm.

nolepizza.co.uk