Stable Hearth Pizzeria shortlisted for three awards

Stable Hearth Pizzeria on Duke Street has been nominated in three categories at The Italian Awards 2026.

The venue will now find out on Monday, March 30, at the award ceremony, held in London, if it has won any of the accolades.

Stable Hearth has been nominated in the Best Pizzeria, Best Wine List and Best Restaurant in the North East categories.

The restaurant said it was “genuinely flattered, very nervous and a little bit excited” and added it cannot wait to put Darlington on the “foodie map”.

Writing on Facebook, Stable Hearth Pizzeria said: “We are over the moon to announce we have been shortlisted by The Italian Awards as finalists in Best Pizzeria, Best Wine List and Best Restaurant in the North East.

“I know we said we intended to bow out this year, but apparently this wasn’t what you guys wanted and you voted in such high numbers for us to be included in the Best Pizzeria category that we have agreed to try to defend our long running title.

“It’s now up to the expert panel of judges to make the decision on the winners in each category. We will find out at the ceremony in London on March 30.

“Thank you all for your votes – we are genuinely flattered, very nervous and (if we’re honest) a little bit excited!

“A fantastic opportunity for our little family run Pizzeria to show those big guys in London how it’s really done.

“Let’s put Darlington on the foodie map.”