Plympton Magazine February 2023

There are so many brilliant local businesses and restaurants to utilise for a very special Valentine’s Day in the Royal William Yard and beyond. We have gathered together some great ideas to treat your loved one.

Honouring arguably the best two days of the year, Pancake Day and National Pizza Day, we have some delicious recipes and topping ideas for your pancakes and pizzas. We hope

Amy Fry - Editor

THE PROPERTY MARKET

We hear from local mortgage advisors, solicitors and more to find out what’s happening with the current housing market and what you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

On the 2nd of February 2023 (after this was written), the Bank of England are changing mortgage rates again which could see them go up or down.

It’s no secret that the housing market in 2022 was rocky to say the least, but what’s instore for 2023? Let’s see what our brilliant local businesses in the property industry have to say…

Mortgages 4 Plymouth

- Tricia Kennedy -

1. What is currently happening in the mortgage market, are lenders still lending? Lenders are keen to lend and are reducing rates almost weekly.

2. Have Mortgage rates dropped and what is the average lender mortgage rate? When Liz Truss and her chancellor made their announcements, rates rocketed to in some cases 7%

3. In your opinion do you think mortgage rates will stable this year?

Some rates are now 4.49% which would have been considerably higher. I believe rates will continue to fall despite the anticipated 0.50% increase by the Bank of England Due in February. Providing inflation is falling, I expect to see rates continuing to fall this year and next.

Desmond & Co

- Darren Desmond -

1. What is currently happening in the housing market, are people still buying and selling?

There will always be people buying and selling in any market, the last 2 or 3 years have seen a lot of growth in prices, and we are certainly seeing a slowdown in the craziness right now. We are moving in to a more stable market where correctly priced and marketed properties are still selling.

2. Is this still a good time to sell your home? Despite what the perception may be prices are not dropping. You may have noticed more properties being reduced on the web portals, but this is due to a hangover from last year where there were so many buyers around really high prices were being achieved. The reductions are down to a more normal market, meaning buyers are no longer offering 10% above the asking price to secure a property. A good estate agent will give you a full reasoning behind a marketing strategy to achieve the full current market value, so if you are

thinking of selling, now is a great time.

3. In your opinion do you think house prices will be stable this year?

I feel like some buyers have been telling me for the last 7 years that prices are going to crash soon, but this has not materialised. There is still a massive lack of supply of properties which is keeping prices stable. In Plympton we are blessed with great schools which will always create a demand, so at this time I don’t see a huge change in prices up or down for the next few months.

Tech Surveys

- Mick Quick -

1. Is having a high EPC rating more appealing to potential buyers, if so why?

With a higher EPC rating of a C or above Landlords will be ready for the new MEES level which will be changing soon. It also means that a potential buyer could take advantage of any green mortgages being offered. Having a higher rated EPC is normally an indication that a property is more efficient and so should have lower energy costs.

2. What can you do to increase your EPC rating right now?

A good way to increase an EPC is Solar PV, the reason for this is because when generating it draws less electricity from the grid thus reducing your energy bills.

Another way is insulation in the loft, the first 100mm has the biggest impact with more heat being trapped in the property the higher the insulation the better, also not using the loft as storage helps as once anything is placed on insulation it reduces the depth making it no longer useful. If you do decide to use the loft space for storage top up the insulation to 270mm and use risers

then board this ensures the the insulation is doing its job. Heating controls help, I do a lot of properties that only have a programmer or TRV’s having all 3 controls help for your heating which also improve’s an EPC Programmer, Room Stat & TRV (thermostatic Radiator Valve)

KF Kitchens

- Nathan -

1. How much appeal does a new kitchen have on potential buyers?

“A new kitchen will always add value to a property against an older one. However, the amount of value it adds will be dependent on how well the kitchen is designed, future proofed and economically laid out. A poorly designed kitchen may add a little added value to a new buyer who may feel that they would want to change it. Alternatively, a well-designed kitchen can add more than the cost of the purchase as its value and appeal are increased by intangibles, where new buyers can picture being and living in the room setting that adds value that cannot be described in figures but by appeal. It is why a good well-designed kitchen adds significant value, a poor one minimal value and why the client’s decision of where to purchase is so important. They should think of the end results being closer to buying an extension than buying a product that sits in their house”

Ashley Ward

Where did it all start for Ashley? Inside the workshop of his late grandad, where he was taught the basics of hard work and perseverance. This was where a young mind was shown the importance of construction and engineering. Ashley found his way as an electrician and inevitably became the business owner and founder of SWAYE Electrical Services Ltd. Ashley followed in his Grandads footsteps, and with the guidance and hands-on attitude of his Grandad, he was able to apply the skills he learnt back then, to his successful and ever-expanding electrical business. Ashley and the team at SWAYE have brought light to Plymouth (literally!) and has been able to build a solid customer base and a considerable number of happy customers in the community.

The early prospects of Ashley’s career began when he was just 6 years old with the help of his Grandad, who was a self-employed electrician and general builder. Whether it was creating electricity with old batteries or knocking down walls and building kitchens from scratch, Ashley was unknowingly, watching his career begin. He watched and he learned.

After excelling in college, Ashley qualified as an electrician at the age of 22 and was continually thrown into the deep-end with multiple large-scale projects. By 23 he was running large solar PV installations throughout Cornwall, taking control of the design, installation and commissioning of the installation.

“The fear of being totally out of my comfort zone and that dread of failure to succeed is something that has helped me progress personally and professionally. There is a solution to every problem, you just have to be focused enough to find it.”

Once he believed he had gained enough experience in the electrical industry, he knew that it was time to

take matters into his own hands and go at it alone. Ashley wanted nothing more than to be free to make his own decisions, to be the master of his own fate. When he was 25, he founded SWAYE Electrical Services Ltd.

After a year of hard work, Ashley’s workload had almost doubled and so it became apparent that he needed to take someone on. Ashley took Steve on, his first employee and registered him with the local college so he could eventually become a qualified electrician. It was a massive step for me to take.

“It wasn’t really part of the plan to grow this quickly, but I took the opportunity it created with both hands and ran with it.”

“I can help customers with the design of their kitchens and bathrooms, the choice of décor and finishes as well as how to create the best space possible with different building fabrics and designs”

Ashley also pounced on the opportunity to take on a commercial unit, which has an office, workshop and storage area. This move allowed Ashley to present his company in a more professional manner, allowing customers to pop in for a coffee and chat through current and future projects.

Ashley explains the merits of moving into their new premises,

“The commercial unit has enabled the team to be more efficient and professional by making it feel like a space where they are happy to work in. We can now order materials ahead of time and set up mock installations to ensure the work will go smoothly once transferred to site. During the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do socially, so I found myself working till midnight every Friday night for the last year. We are so busy, the work needed to be done, so what better way to spend a Friday night!

SWAYE have been inundated with new customers and interesting projects. A recent law change in the UK meant that every rented property must have a satisfactory electrical report, similar to gas. The UK suddenly had thousands of landlords that needed our services. The work came flooding in and we couldn’t have handled it if we didn’t have the cloudbased infrastructure organised the year before. With the electrical testing came electrical faults, fuse board changes and re-wires. Ashley has built good relationships with several builder and property investors in Plymouth, Cornwall and the South Hams.

Commercial and Industrial – This can be anything from new business premises, shops and offices. They can help with 3 phase installations, CCTV, security alarms, fire alarms, electrical vehicle charging points and much more.

The team at SWAYE are professional, genuine and honest. They serve their customers with the utmost respect and love to help them with their projects, whether its small remedial works or large construction projects.

‘At the end of the day, all we want to, is to be able look every customer in the eye knowing that we did the best job possible.’ – Ashley

The service they provide is always of the highest quality, but they offer it at an affordable and fair rate. They are flexible and happy to go the extra mile to ensure the job is done properly and the customer is happy.

The reviews for SWAYE Electrical are always positive but above everything else, they pride themselves on being able to fix any problems that come their way and do it to the best of their ability. The construction

industry is an industry where plans change all the time. We pride ourselves in excelling at keeping projects running smoothly, even if it means working out of hours or on weekends. Our experience in the construction industry allows us to see solutions before the problems even arise!

No matter how difficult the proposition is, Ashley and the guys at SWAYE will never say no to a challenge.

“What would life be like without challenges? Pretty dull if life always went to plan. Would Hercules be Hercules if he hadn’t had all those battles to win or would he have just turned over in his bed and gone back to sleep?”

In 2019, the Ridgeway Christmas lights were not working and the team at SWAYE got called in to help fix the problem… a day before the formal switch on! The SWAYE team managed to fix the faults and save the Christmas lights that year and the Plympton Chamber were very grateful. Ashley is now a committee member of Plym Chamber and now takes care of the light switch on every year and have adapted the technology so that all of the lights turn on at the same time with a touch of a button on Ashley’s phone.

SWAYE Electrical cover the whole of Devon and Cornwall and are currently doing a renovation project in Wales with Homes Under the Hammer presenter, Martin Roberts himself! Martin was impressed that over ten years ago, Ashley was watching him on TV and that now, he is working directly for him! The project consists of an old, haunted building in the Brecon Beacons which they are converting into a hiking lodge and SWAYE electrical had been recommended as the team for the job.

With the positive hands-on influence of his grandfather, Ashley has been able to provide the city of Plymouth with great service and amazing customer relationships. He hopes to continue his journey with SWAYE and grow the business, without ever forgetting how he got there.

ASHLEY - “Life is a journey and I am definitely here for the ride!”

The SWAYE Electrical mascot

New Year, New Plan?

Do you have a Personal and/or Business plan? Do you know where you are in the life cycle of your business? How often do you spend focused attention on your business and not just working in the thick of it day to day?

At Best accountancy we specialise in offering a structured and measurable approach to helping our business owners to focus on their business and lifestyles with the aim to bring them “Clarity”.

Many people start up their business because they are highly skilled, have the motivation and drive to go it alone with the aim to make a difference in their career and lives. In many cases they are initially successful and grow. Unfortunately, where this growth can be exciting and financially rewarding early on, it can also be difficult to manage. With fast growth, there will inevitably be additional administration required, perhaps buildings or offices needed, more equipment and possibly more staff.

John Best

No single person can possibly know all there is to know or complete every task and still grow a successful business. You need expertise in all areas, but in what order should you do things and do you have a plan in place?

Every business has a life cycle and within our practice we love to hear from business owners. We listen to their experience of their journey so far, and most importantly what their ambitions are for their future. Some are elaborate, some are actually very simple. What we do then is help provide a plan based on vision, and with regular meetings and guidance aim to achieve the steps to making the vision a reality.

If you have a business and would like to have a free of charge “Clarity“ review and meeting to see if this would be beneficial to you please get in touch.

We can do all the regular things you would expect from your accountants including filing your accounts and returns, but we are willing and able to bring far more proactive help to accelerate your plans and create new ones; ambitions and visions you may have originally thought were out of your reach.

We would love to hear from you.

What’s On South Devon

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Friday 7th February

Celebrate 50 years of the iconic rock band, Queen at Plymouth Pavilions. Queen’s official tribute band will be bringing you all of their best tracks over the years.

LOW PRES; WILkINSON

The DEPO, Plymouth Friday 3rd February

After numerous requests, The DEPO can finally welcome Wilkinson. Wilkinson has been one of the most successful & consistent British electronic artists of the last 5 years.

MUSICAL BINGO

The Club House, Plymouth Wednesday 15th February

Join on for a couple of games of Musical Bingo, performed by a local LIVE artist. They’ve got the beers, the wine, the gin and the snacks.

SIX NATIONS 2023

Walkabout, Plymouth

Live from 4th February

Enjoy the atmosphere and get your rugby fix at Walkabout, Plymouth.

SIP & PAINT - VALENTINE’S DAY

HonkyTonk Wine Library, Plymouth Tuesday 14th February

Have fun doing something different and co-creating a semi-masterpiece to take home with you. You can paint anything from portraits to creating a couple logo that best represents you both.

INTERACTIVE QUIZ NIGHT

The Club House, Plymouth Every Thursday

Come and join us every Thursday from 7pm for our weekly interactive Quiz Night. Some great prizes to be won, including bar snacks, rounds of drinks, meals for two and even bar tabs!

JAZZ & ROAST SUNDAYS

HonkyTonk Wine Library, Plymouth Sunday 19th February

Local Jazz legend Martin Dale will be lighting up the room with his Jazz Saxophone. Accompanying this live music with a fabulous Sunday Roast Board.

BEGINNERS YOGA

Wellness Warriors Yoga Studio

Every Thursday - 6;30pm

This class is designed for complete beginners to understand the basics of yoga.

BODY BALANCE AT THE AQUARIUM

National Marine Aquarium Tuesday 21th February

Due to popular demand, they have brought back monthly Body Balance sessions with Nuffield Health! Workout and center yourself with a tai-chi and pilates inspired fitness class that will strengthen your mind, body and soul!

PLYMOUTH’S CRAFT & FLEA MARkET

The Guildhall, Plymouth 30th Jan - 4th Feb

Craft & Flea is a collection of independent makers, collectors, designers and creatives all under one roof. From vintage bric-a-brac to food, ceramics, candles and more!

Image courtesy of National Marine Aquarium

AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Whether you’re walking hand in hand by the marina, sharing a bottle of wine over a candlelit table, or feasting on an exquisite three course meal amidst the stunning backdrop of grand listed buildings, settings don’t get much more romantic than Royal William Yard.

This popular Plymouth destination has an array of treats on offer for Valentine’s Day, from exclusive menus at its many restaurants, to luxury pampering experiences and gifts galore. Everything you need to make this special day even more memorable is in one place.

Wine and dine

Looking out onto the Yard’s lawn, classic French restaurant Bistrot Pierre is offering an indulgent Valentine’s menu. It starts with a complementary glass of Veuve Devienne, followed by three delicious courses - including a sharing plate of three classic desserts. It’s available for £34.95 per person, so get booking.

Home to Plymouth’s freshest seafood – straight from its own fishing boats – and the city’s first speciality rum bar, is incredible independent restaurant The Hook & Line. Its Valentine’s menu kicks off with a Fizz Cocktail upon arrival, before launching into three mouth-watering courses for £90 per couple. If you want to push the boat out, extras include Champagne, oysters, and a Fruit De Mer platter.

With food from around the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice for a romantic rendezvous. Try Wagamama for authentic Asian and Japanese cuisine; Pho for

freshly cooked Vietnamese food; Prezzo for casual Italian dining; Seco Lounge for an awesome all-day menu; Wildwood for pizza and pasta perfection; Hub Box for next-level burgers and barbeque; or The Club House for cocktails, hanging kebabs and more. Resident wine bar, Le Vignoble, delivers on charm and romance, with wine, fizz, and French light bites served by candlelight.

Gifts

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a thoughtful gift – and you don’t get any sweeter than a box of chocolates. Domea Favour is the Yard’s resident chocolatier, where luxury chocolates are handcrafted daily with carefully paired flavour combinations and local ingredients. Limited edition ‘love’ themed chocolates and chocolate bars have been created especially for Valentine’s Day.

Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness is the place for pampering, offering treatments that ‘show your skin some love’. From sumptuous skincare sessions and relaxing massages, to locally-made 100% natural and vegan candles and toiletries, there is plenty to choose from to give the gift of TLC to a loved one.

YOKE the Salon – the award-winning ethical hair salon – has luxury haircare products and gift sets available. The shop space at creative hub, Ocean Studios, offers original handmade gifts, such as prints, wall-hangings, pottery and jewellery. And Identity Fashion is the home of unique, one-of-a-kind fashion, accessories and homewares. Or why not grab a gift voucher as a present that can be enjoyed at leisure.

stay

Make a night of it with a mini-break staycation right in the heart of Royal William Yard – what could be better than waking to the sound of the sea? Grade II listed boutique B&B, Rooms by Bistrot Pierre is a stone’s throw from Firestone Bay and even has its own secret garden. As a guest of Rooms, you only need to stroll across the lawn for breakfast at Bistrot Pierre the next morning.

Or treat yourself to an elegant serviced apartment in one of the stunningly restored buildings, courtesy of Royal William Yard Apartments

Visit Royalwilliamyard.com for even more inspiration; you can even build yourself an itinerary of the perfect Valentine’s Day. With much to discover and do, there’s a lot to love – and plenty of opportunities to celebrate love!

FULLY ELECTRIC, FULLY LOADED

Rodgers of Plymouth (part of the Murray Group) are a family run business who have been serving the motoring needs of the city for nearly a century. So, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about cars. When we began our partnership with MG almost two years ago, we knew we were representing a very important brand. From its roots as a stalwart of iconic British motoring to its status as ‘one to watch’ in the world of EV innovation, MG is a brand that aligns with our values.

MG have fast become one of the most exciting brands in the UK, particularly when it comes to EV sales, with the brand boasting a whopping 31.7% of their 2021 sales against an industry average of 7.5%.

The new, updated MG5 EV Long Range is one such example from the expanding MG family that proves they’re doing some ground-breaking work in terms of electric vehicle manufacturing. The fully electric model is the first EV estate car on the market, making it a practical, affordable and efficient choice for families. The best news? It’s available to test drive now at Rodgers of Plymouth MG at Christian Mill Business Park!

The MG 5 EV combines all the practicalities that you need for everyday life with state-of-the-art technology. So, whether you’re driving the daily commute; suffering the school run or taking a trip to the beach or moors; your drive is sure to go smoothly.

The 5-seater estate has ample space for passengers, with plenty of head and leg room, even behind taller drivers. In the front, the driver seat has lumber support and six-way adjustable seating for the ultimate in comfortable cruising. Front passengers aren’t forgotten, with four-way adjustable seats too. The entry level SE model comes with beautiful fabric seats whereas the Trophy model has leather style seats throughout and heated front seats to keep you cosy on those chilly winter mornings.

The Automatic transmission, controlled by a sleek rotary gear selector makes for a seamless journey and auto start and stop and the electronic parking brake make short hops across the city effortless.

The MG 5 EV Long Range boasts a wealth of technology as standard. Apple Car Play and Android Auto, allow you to connect your smartphone to make calls, send messages and – most importantly – take charge of the playlist whilst you hit the road! All safely and legally, of course, owing to voice control technology. Finding your way around comes easily thanks to the integrated Sat Nav system and the handy reversing camera is a godsend for anyone who has to regularly navigate Devon’s narrow country lanes.

Take your drive to the next level, with MG Pilot –game changing driver assistance technology that ensures a worry-free journey, especially during the colder, darker months. Features such as adaptive cruise control; lane keep assist; traffic jam assist and active emergency braking will keep you safe whether taking to the motorway or roaming around the countryside. Intelligent high beam assist allows you to safely navigate the roads after dark – an invaluable feature in the darker winter months. The 360-degree vision camera available in the Trophy edition enables accurate manoeuvring even in the tightest of spots.

Introducing the MG 5 EV at Rodgers of Plymouth

Range anxiety can be a concern for those considering switching to an electric vehicle but with between 250 and 326 miles claimed range on a single charge, the MG 5 EV could almost drive the entire perimeter of Devon before needing a boost. Although we wouldn’t recommend trying without being aware of a few charging point locations as factors such as weather and terrain can affect range by up to 20% in the most extreme cases. The good news is, there are plenty of apps out there that can help you plan your journey with charging stops. Zap Maps is our favourite but Plugshare, Pod Point, BP Pulse and Bonnet do the job just as well.

With the government having pledged to stop the manufacture of all ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles by 2030, the benefits of switching to an EV are widely documented. Switching to an MG EV might just be the best motoring move you ever make. Business or fleet drivers can take advantage of low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates of 2% currently and if you’re planning on taking a trip to the Big Smoke, the London Congestion Charge doesn’t apply to electric vehicles at all.

Even with fluctuating energy prices, an average family sized EV with a 64kWh battery costs around £36 to charge fully – which is still half the cost of filling an average petrol tank on an estate car. Add

to that the abolition of VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) on all electric vehicles and the savings all add up.

As a brand, MG definitely go that extra mile to give their customers added peace of mind – with a seven year warranty in place for all vehicles (or up to 80,000 miles) and an eight year electric battery warranty, you’ll be more than covered. Complete the package by opting for an MG Service Plan and you can drive away safe in the knowledge that should you need help; your vehicle will be in the hands of fully qualified MG technicians.

Rodgers of Plymouth MG are a one stop shop for all your MG needs. We are located on Christian Mill Business Park in Crownhill. Alongside the latest MG models, we offer a comprehensive range of Approved Used Vehicles from across the Murray Group brands. In addition to this, Rodgers of Plymouth MG are authorised repairers for MG, Ssang Yong and Mitsubishi plus we offer amazing deals on MOTs for all makes and models.

So, whether your current car needs a bit of TLC, you’re in the market for an Approved Used car or you want to explore the world of electrification, Rodgers of Plymouth MG have something to suit your needs. Get in touch today and find out how we can get you on the road.

Scan QR code to explore this model

LOCAL CLUBS & CLASSES

When we think of clubs, we usually think of large competitive sports clubs which some people may find intimidating. We have found a variety of different adult clubs and classes for beginners to connect with like-minded people and potentially lead to finding a new hobby.

Make at 140, Royal William Yard

Every other Tuesday 6pm - 9pm

Bring your fabrics and projects that you’re working on and come to the Royal William Yard to sew with like-minded people. Use of all tools & refreshments. Sewing machine hire is at an added cost.

SEWCIAL SEWING BEGINNERS YOGA

Wellness Warriors Yoga Studio, Modbury

Every Monday & Thursday

These classes are designed for beginners and adapt a slow approach. You will learn the basics of yoga in a pressure-free environment. Wellness Warriors also have a huge range of other yoga classes to try.

CHILLEd Out CHESS

The Bread & Roses, Ebrington St

Once a month - Check their website

If you’re a fan of Chess and want to enjoy a chilled out game over a pint then this is the night for you. Olly Parker will host this chilled out evening. All skill levels welcome and bring Your Own Board if you can!

pINtS & pENCILS

The Bread & Roses, Ebrington St

Last Sunday of every month 4pm - 6pm

Bring your sketch pad and pencils with you, enjoy a cold pint and start sketching with like-minded people. Meet new friends or bring your friends along with you. Everyone is welcome, beginner or expert.

South Devon Mountaineering Club

Dates vary depending on trips

During the winter months they meet to climb at the Plymouth Life Centre every Tuesday and throughout the year they host week-long trips to different parts of the world.

mOuNtAINEERING BAdmINtON

Plymouth Life Centre Every Tuesday 7-8pm

No Strings Badminton offers an easily accessible, lowcost, social, and enjoyable environment for those new to badminton or looking to start again. Improve your fitness or meet new people this club is for everyone!

BEGINNERS BALLEt

The Dance Shed, Plymouth Every Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

These classes are designed for people who have always wanted to do ballet or who did it when they were younger and want to get back into it again. They also have other dance classes for adults & children.

WALK, mEdItAtE, CREAtE

The Clay Factory, Ivybridge Fridays & Saturdays

Take the steep walk up to Western Beacon, meditate, do some mark making on the moor and come back for 2-course lunch at the RedPod Food Cafe. Finish this experience by making some art using oil mixed media.

TOPPINGS PANCAKE

Tuesday 21st February is Shrove Tuesday, or more commonly known as Pancake Day! We have a brilliant pancake recipe and some topping ideas.

American Pancakes Serves - 4

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 25g melted butter, plus extra for cooking

• 200ml milk

• vegetable oil, for cooking

ONE Mix 200g self-raising flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt together in a large bowl. Create a well in the centre with the back of your spoon then add 3 large eggs, 25g melted butter and 200ml milk. Whisk together either with a balloon whisk or electric hand beaters until smooth then pour into a jug.

TWO Heat a small knob of butter and 1 tsp of oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. When the butter looks frothy, pour in rounds of the batter, approximately 8cm wide. Make sure you don’t put the pancakes too close together as they will spread during cooking. Cook the pancakes on one side for about 1-2 mins or until lots of tiny bubbles start to appear and pop on the surface. Flip the pancakes over and cook for a further minute on the other side. Repeat until all the batter is used up.

TOPPINGS PIZZA

February 9th is National Pizza Day therefore we have a delicious pizza dough recipe as well as some topping ideas.

• 300g strong bread flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast (from a sachet or a tub)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE

• 100ml passata

• handful fresh basil or 1 tsp dried

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

FOR THE TOPPING

• 125g ball mozzarella, sliced handful grated or shaved parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)

• handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

• handful of basil leaves (optional)

ONE Make the base: Put the flour into a large bowl, then stir in the yeast and salt. Make a well, pour in 200ml warm water and the olive oil and bring together with a wooden spoon until you have a soft, fairly wet dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 mins until smooth. Cover with a tea towel and set aside.

TWO Make the sauce: Mix the passata, basil and crushed garlic together, then season to taste. Leave to stand at room temperature while you get on with shaping the base.

THREE Roll out the dough: if you’ve let the dough rise, give it a quick knead, then split into two balls. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into large rounds, about 25cm across, using a rolling pin. The dough needs to be very thin as it will rise in the oven. Lift the rounds onto two floured baking sheets.

FOUR Top and bake: heat the oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 8. Put another baking sheet or an upturned baking tray in the oven on the top shelf. Smooth sauce over bases with the back of a spoon. Scatter with cheese and tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and season. Put one pizza, still on its baking sheet, on top of the preheated sheet or tray. Bake for 8-10 mins until crisp. Serve with a little more olive oil, and basil leaves if using. Repeat step for remaining pizza.

Pizza Margherita Makes 2 pizzas

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