“We can’t wait to see Doncaster booming again,” says business owner who is opening up a brand new restaurant this year

The Rustic Pizza Co has operated from a stall in the New Wool Market for the last couple of years.

But owner Lee Ogden set his goals on opening a full restaurant - a dream that is coming true in 2021.

Lee, from Barnby Dun, said: “The authentic Italian restaurant will open this Autumn at Doncaster Lakeside.

“There will be a terrace overlooking the lake and we hope it will give our customers a better experience.

Lee is currently preparing for the opening by creating a new menu which will of course include pizza but also 24 flavours of gelato, a patisserie and a breakfast service.

“We prove the dough for between 48 and 72 hours. We use San Marzano tomatoes which are grown on a volcano, Mount Vesuvius, in Italy,” Lee said.

“We use Fior Di Latte cheese, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil which will give you the perfect Margarita.

“When we started The Rustic Pizza Co, we wanted it to be proper pizza. Not the normal takeaway pizza.”

Covid-19 has been hard on almost all businesses but Lee said he is feeling positive about the future.

“It was really hard at first,” he said.“We had very little notice before the first lockdown about closing.

“Our customers have been amazing and continued to support us this year which has meant a lot.

“Through our take away pizza and new pizza kits we have remained steady.

“We didn’t want Covid-19 to stop us from expanding our business.”

The new restaurant at Lakeside is a big step for Lee and his team but one that he is looking forward to.

“We can’t wait to see Doncaster booming again,” he continued.

“It’s going to be great to be a part of the town starting to thrive again.”

The Rustic Pizza Co currently offers take away service on a Friday and Saturday nights but hopes to expand opening hours in the near future following government guidelines.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.