Very few restaurants open thinking that they will still be around to tell the tale 35 years later but that’s just what has happened at Mamma Mia in Summertown. So recently we made a few changes in anticipation of this exciting milestone.

And although our first customers back in 1981 could probably be forgiven for thinking not much has changed since then if they popped in now, then that’s just what we intended.

We’ve found ourselves in an enviable position on the Summertown restaurant scene – a welcoming and dependable neighbourhood pizzeria ideal for family gatherings, date nights and festive parties. We never take our success for granted and work towards exceeding our customers’ expectations at all levels at all times.

But becoming a firm favourite makes us cautious of change. Every little tweak to the menu or change to the decor can raise an eyebrow with regular guests if they feel we are changing ‘their’ restaurant too much.

We’ve also won many awards over the years. This year alone we’ve been named “the best Italian restaurant in Southern England” and “the ultimate traditional pizzeria”.

Such accolades, combined with feedback from customers tells us that we are doing something right and shouldn’t fiddle with the formula.

So when we drew up plans for a refurbishment, we had to be mindful that this wasn’t just change-for-the-sake-of-change.

We knew we had a pressing need to update parts of the restaurant to bring them in-line with the expectations of modern diners, but we also wanted to ensure our regular clientele could walk back in as if nothing (too much) had altered.

The update also had to be realistic and quick to complete – like all small businesses we couldn’t afford to be closed for too long and we’re pleased to say that our chosen contractors met the brief and deadlines brilliantly.

The tweaks are subtle, but add up to giving the old place a fresh new feel.

The kitchen is the recipient of new and updated gadgets and the bar area has been completely refitted. The bathrooms have had a complete make-over and the general interior décor from floor tiles to lighting has had a simple contemporary lift.

Outside sees changes also with a refurbished terrace that features new furniture and lighting as well as a fresh coat of Mamma Mia Red paint to make sure we stand out even more.

But those essential, authentic Mamma Mia touches – exposed brick walls and gingham tablecloths – still take centre stage.

We learned some tricks on how to add a modern twist to the traditional pizzeria formula when we opened our sister restaurant in Jericho.

The two restaurants are now more in-step visually but each have their own personality, serving their respective corners of the city and its diverse population.

For all the changes to the restaurant, we’ve not touched our much-loved menu. We’re always being told we make the best pizzas in Oxford, so we see no reason to change that. Additions to the menu come by the way of a new ‘Off List’ wine menu and intriguing new Grappa varieties for our ever adventurous customers.

The time was right to make the changes as 2016 approaches and our attention turns to our 35th anniversary. We’re proud of the reputation we hold in Oxford and beyond and the celebrations will be about saying thankyou to our customers just as much as they are an excuse for a year-long party!

After all, we’re only going to make it to our 40th Anniversary if we keep doing what we’re best at.

So we’ll keep making great pizza, served the way it should be in a relaxed and friendly, if now slightly fresher, environment – just the way our customers love it.

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Mamma Mia Pizzeria can be found at 8 South Parade, Summertown (01865 514141) and 102 Walton Street, Jericho (01865 311211).
mammamiapizzeria.co.uk