Sweeney's Pizzeria from Suffolk in final of Italian Awards

Sweeney's Pizzeria, which visits locations around Suffolk, has beaten thousands of other pizza joints around the country to be one of 20 in the Italian Awards final for Best Pizza.

The business only started in October last year, and in that time has grown to be something people around Suffolk love – enough for it to be nominated for the award in the first place.

Sweeney's Pizzeria has traded in locations around Ipswich such as Portman Road, Suffolk Water Park and the Arcade Tavern and has operated at markets in Suffolk, including in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

Sweeney's Pizzeria started in October last year (Image: Sweeney's Pizzeria)

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Craig Sweeney, the owner and cook, revealed his delight at his business' pizzas being recognised on a national scale.

He said of being nominated for the award: "It's awesome.

"It's a bit daunting but it's really amazing.

"It's down to people voting for us, so it really wouldn't have been possible without them and the following that we have.

Craig Sweeney making one of his pizza's (Image: Tom Cann)"It's really special.

"It's a massive team effort, lots of people involved and we are over the moon."

Sweeney's Pizzeria is one of the only finalists, if not the only finalist, to serve street food – with all the other nominees being brick-and-mortar pizzeria shops.

Mr Sweeney added: "There's a lot of good competition.

"It's a good amount in the final, but to be part of the 20 from thousands is really special."

The competition is now at the independent adjudication stage.

Mr Sweeney will then travel to Leeds for the final ceremony of the awards in October.

One of Sweeney's Pizzeria's pizzas (Image: Sweeney's Pizzeria)