September 10, 2021 5.18 pm This story is over 30 months old

The Lincolnite tries: Dough LoCo pizza near Lincoln Castle

Opening later this month!

Dough LoCo owners Matt and Rachel Barnes with daughter Ava. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

By Joseph Verney Local News Reporter

A new pizza restaurant with a bar vibe will open near Lincoln Castle later this month and The Lincolnite went to check it out, and sample the menu ahead of their public launch on September 18.

Dough LoCo was previously called Weirdough’s Pizza Emporium, which was initially started as a fundraising initiative by husband and wife team Matt and Rachel Barnes.

After being made redundant from a previous job, Matt decided to turn the initiative into a business, running from local pubs in the city before rebranding to its new name.

Dough Loco is located in the building formerly occupied by Jackalope, (previously Roman’s Place, and Cask) on Drury Lane in uphill Lincoln.

The new restaurant will open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday, September 18 – table bookings can be made by emailing [email protected].

Inside Dough LoCo on Drury Lane in uphill Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There are plenty of different pizzas to try at Dough LoCo in Lincoln. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Bomb is described as ‘not quite a challenge pizza, but close’. It includes San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, green chillies, red chillies, spicy Nduja sausage, pepperoni, and hot sauce drizzle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The pizzas can also be made vegan and gluten free if needed. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Due to licensing issues Matt was unable to stick to his original pizza bar plans, but told The Lincolnite he is happy with his restaurant with a bar feel and can’t wait to open. The collection service will still run and operate during the restaurant’s opening hours.

The menu has expanded, keeping old favourites but also adding new items including a dedicated children’s and vegan pizza menu, and gluten free alternatives.

There are also new sides, including meat and vegan arancini, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño and cream cheese bites.

One of the pizzas – Papa Smurf – includes garlic and pepper Portabello mushrooms, vegan mozzarella and vegan blue cheese. It was named by one of their Instagram followers after a competition on social media.

Owner Matt describes the garlic bread and cheese as the best in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The arancini balls side was a big hit with The Lincolnite. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Dough LoCo sells create your own Belgian waffles. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The dessert menu has expanded to include vegan cheesecake. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There is also an array of desserts, including create your own Belgian waffles, and new puddings such as vegan and gluten free cheesecakes.

The drinks menu includes eight new cocktails, such as Dough LoCo’s own take on a Bloody Mary with its own house marinara sauce.

There is also an extensive rum and gin collection, draft beers and cider, wine and spirits. Vegan, gluten free, and non-alcoholic beers, as well as a special collection of craft beer cans are also available.

Just some of the cocktails available at Dough LoCo in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Matt making an Espresso Martini. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Pizza chef Danny Thorpe is among the new staff at Dough LoCo. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The new restaurant has created nine new jobs, with a mixture of full-time and part-time roles.

The staff team includes Danny Thorpe, who has 25 years experience as a pizza chef and has previously won the Pizzaiolo of the Year award.

Dough LoCo owners Matt and Rachel Barnes love pizza! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Matt told The Lincolnite: “We are nervous and excited and can’t wait to open. It took longer than anticipated, but we are ready and excited to welcome customers in.”

He added that he would also like to thank local design agency Number 75 Design for doing the artwork and interior design.

Local design agency Number 75 Design did the artwork and interior design at Dough LoCo in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Dough LoCo will support a different charity each month with in-house events and fundraisers, with the first one being Henry The Brave. There also also be themed nights including Dough LoCo bingo.

The restaurant will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday 4pm-12pm, Saturday 12pm-12am, and Sunday 12pm-11pm.