A new pizza bar and kitchen will open in uphill Lincoln later this summer when a Lincoln couple rebrand their independent pizzeria business.
Weirdough’s Pizza Emporium was started as a fundraising initiative by husband and wife team Matt and Rachel Barnes last year to raise money for the NHS. After being made redundant, Matt decided to turn it into a business, running it initially from the West End Tap before later moving to the Tap & Spile.
The business will rebrand and change its name to Dough LoCo when it opens in its new location in the building formerly occupied by Jackalope Restaurant on Drury Lane in uphill Lincoln.
Dough LoCo will be located in the building formerly occupied by Jackalope Restaurant on Drury Lane in Lincoln.
It will open towards the end of July or early August, but in the meantime the business will continue to operate from the Tap & Spile.
Ahead of the opening, a bespoke bar is being made and new equipment will be installed and furnishings will be done as Matt and Rachel continue to put their own stamp on the building.
Pizza will still be the main core of the business, but owner Matt told The Lincolnite he wanted it to grow into something beyond that and create a new vibe for Lincoln.
Weirdoughs owners Matt and Rachel Barnes with their daughter Ava, who was born in July 2020. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Matt said: “We have been looking at most of the vacant premises in Lincoln over the last nine to ten months and this one was perfect.
“We want people to feel comfortable to come here even if they don’t want a pizza and we want to create a new vibe for Lincoln. The LoCo part of the new name is an abbreviation of local community, which is what we are all about.
“I have the right amount of nerves as it is a new venture, but I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t have faith in the brand. We are excited to bring Dough LoCo to Lincoln and to share our loved pizza and exciting new venue with the local community.”
The Margz main pizza – San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Matt added that he is looking to expand the pizza range, as well as offering a dedicated vegan menu and some new desserts.
In the coming months, Matt also plans to expand the list of starters on the menu to include options like Arancini, Mozzarella dippers and stuffed Jalapeños.
The bar will serve a selection of craft and draught beer, ciders and wine, as well as a range of cocktails. Dough LoCo will create their own versions of classic cocktails, including a Bloody Mary that uses the business’ own pizza sauce as part of the tomato juice element of the drink.
Dough LoCo hopes to host live bands and DJs, as well as a monthly charity night on a Monday, with Matt adding: “As much as we want to be a bar, it will be about families and giving back to the community too.”
Thea team including owners Matt and Rachel, and head chef Dan Neale, will expand due to the new location, with between 4-6 new full-time jobs being created.
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A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”