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The Unique Tradition of the 'Pizza Platter' in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

If you ever find yourself in Grimsby or Cleethorpes and wander into a local pizza takeaway, you're in for a bit of a surprise. Ask for a pizza platter, and you'll receive something special — half a freshly made pizza, a generous portion of chips (fries), and a side of creamy coleslaw or garlic mayo. While the rest of the UK may enjoy pizza in a more traditional way, this platter-style serving is a beloved local tradition in Lincolnshire, particularly in these two towns.

For many in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, the pizza platter is not just a meal; it’s a cultural icon.

What Exactly Is a Pizza Platter?

A pizza platter typically includes:

• Half a freshly made pizza: Often cut from a large pizza, the half portion allows you to enjoy the pizza's full flavour without committing to an entire one.
• Chips (fries): As if pizza wasn’t satisfying enough, the addition of crispy, hot chips makes the meal feel heartier.
• Coleslaw or garlic mayo: In true Lincolnshire fashion, pizza platters are often served with coleslaw, but garlic mayo has become an equally popular alternative.

Despite getting only half a pizza, the cost of a platter usually matches that of a full pizza. It's not about saving money, though — it’s about the experience and the quirky mix of flavours. The chips and coleslaw add a unique twist that turns the meal into a satisfying fusion of pizza and classic British chippy fare.

The Lincolnshire Pizza Platter: A Regional Tradition

For locals, the pizza platter is more than just a meal; it’s an unspoken tradition. In Lincolnshire, many people assume this is a common offering at pizza takeaways across the UK — until they move away. One Grimsby native shared,

“I thought everywhere did this until I moved from Grimsby to Wakefield. Was gutted the first time I ordered pizza and couldn’t have a platter! Moved back within 4 years, just wasn’t worth the pizza heartache!”

This local delicacy evokes a sense of nostalgia, with people growing up associating Friday nights or casual family meals with their go-to pizza platter. It’s a staple of comfort food culture in this corner of the country.

A Bit of History: Inspired by Pizzaland?

Some locals believe the pizza platter may have been inspired by the now-defunct UK pizza chain, Pizzaland, popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One theory is that Pizzaland's meal, consisting of a few slices of pizza, some coleslaw, and possibly chips, may have influenced local takeaways to develop the pizza platter concept. Whether or not this is true, the platter has certainly evolved into something uniquely Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

A Lincolnshire Essential

You might be wondering why, with so much enthusiasm for this local favourite, it hasn’t spread far beyond Lincolnshire. While you can find half-pizza-and-chips combinations in some places — such as in parts of Scotland — the exact Grimsby-style pizza platter remains a rarity elsewhere.

It’s possible that Lincolnshire takeaways have perfected the balance of crispy chips, flavorful coleslaw, and hot pizza in a way that simply hasn’t been replicated outside the region. Some diners even speculate that the local preference for coleslaw or garlic mayo helps set it apart from any similar offerings in other parts of the UK.

The Heartache of Moving Away

For those who have grown up with this tradition, moving away from Lincolnshire can be a shock — especially when they realize that other parts of the UK don’t offer the pizza platter. For many, this dish is more than just food; it’s a sentimental part of their upbringing. That’s why some have even moved back to Grimsby or Cleethorpes after discovering that there is no takeaway in their new town that serves pizza platters.

One such returnee described their experience:

“Moved back within 4 years, just wasn’t worth the pizza heartache!”

The connection between home and food is strong, and for many, the absence of a pizza platter feels like something vital is missing from their culinary landscape.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Meal

The pizza platter might seem unusual to an outsider, but in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, it’s a beloved local dish that has stood the test of time. Whether enjoyed with coleslaw or garlic mayo, it’s a unique way to savor pizza with a side of classic British chips. And for those who have grown up with it, the pizza platter is more than just a meal — it’s a comforting reminder of home.

So, next time you're in Grimsby or Cleethorpes, make sure to order a pizza platter. It might just become your new favourite way to eat pizza!

Have you ever tried a pizza platter? Or did you grow up thinking it was a nationwide tradition, only to be disappointed when you moved away? Share your pizza platter experiences in the comments!