Team behind Belfast's first pizzeria honoured for years of service

The pioneers behind Belfast's first ever pizzeria have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to the city's food scene just months after their retirement.

Capers Pizza opened its doors on Great Victoria Street in April 1982, at a time when dining options were limited due to the political climate and economic challenges of The Troubles. Founded by Willie Marshal, Mike Lyle, and Christine Bambrick, Capers quickly became a landmark establishment, offering a new kind of dining experience to locals and visitors alike.

Following decades of success, Capers moved its operations to East Belfast in the popular Ballyhackamore area, where it continued to thrive. After 42 years of service, the owners closed their doors for a final time in spring 2024, marking the end of an era in Belfast’s culinary history.

Read more: Belfast's first pizzeria announces last day of service after 42 years

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At this week's inagural NI Food To Go Awards, sponsored by Henderson Foodservice, Willie, Mike, and Christine were awarded the prestigious outstanding contribution to the industry award.

Joris Minne, restaurant reviewer, food writer and head judge of the NI Food to Go Awards, commended Capers for its remarkable legacy. He said: "Capers Pizza has not only helped to shape the food to go landscape in Northern Ireland, but it has also served as a cornerstone of Belfast’s dining culture. Their resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality set a high standard for the future of the industry, making it an extremely deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

NI Food to Go Association CEO Michael Henderson commented: “Capers Pizza has had a huge impact on Northern Ireland’s food scene and it has been a trailblazer in the food to go sector, offering something truly unique and beloved by generations.

“These awards recognise and celebrate the excellence and variety of food to go establishments in Northern Ireland. This is the first year that we have held these awards, and it was incredible to see the industry come together on the night to celebrate the excellence across the ever-evolving food to go industry.

"I’d like to thank our independent judging panel for their time and respect towards every food to go business that entered the awards, and I’d like to send my congratulations to every finalist, highly commended and winner. We are already looking forward to next year’s awards."

Hosted by Q Radio DJ Ibe Sesay, the event celebrated excellence across 24 categories, celebrating the growing diversity and vibrancy of the food-to-go sector in Northern Ireland.

Other winners on the night included CastleCourt Shopping Centre, which took home Food Court of the Year and CeCe's Cakes and Bakes for Best Bakery / Patisserie to Go. Franchise of the Year was won by Pizza Crew, who were also awarded the Evolve HR Team Recognition Award.

The most popular category, Newcomer of the Year, was won by Alpaca Pizza & Eats in Omagh. Judges were so impressed with the number of entries, they split the category into two further awards, Specialist Newcomer of the Year which was won by Taste of Philly in Lurgan, and Coffee Specialist Newcomer of the Year, which was taken home by Milled Coffee House in Sion Mills.

Best Coffee to Go was scooped up by Barista Bar Cafe and Best Burger to Go by Belfast Burger. Wee Buns, based in Castlederg, took home the award for Sustainable Food to Go Business and Botanic Avenue’s popular Bao Bun won the award for Best Asian / Pan Asian Food to Go.

The NI Food to Go Awards, which were established to celebrate the excellence and innovation in the region’s food-to-go businesses, are the first of their kind to be independently judged in Northern Ireland. With 23 categories in total, the awards shine a spotlight on the very best of the sector, from independent eateries to larger food chains.

The awards are proudly supported by title sponsor, Henderson Foodservice, alongside category sponsors Smartpay, Riada NI, Towergate Insurance, Flipdish, Délifrance, Stephens Catering Equipment, Evolve HR, Pro-Active Accounting, Eat Local, Frylite, Coca Cola Hellenic, BIOPAX, Zeus Packaging, Makro Belfast / Booker Wholesale UK and Stack Field Solutions UK.

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