Ballers Pizzeria in Lakeside has appointed Giacomo Rimanti as its new Head Chef.
Ballers Pizzeria was first established in 2020, starting life as a pop-up with a van, then evolving into a hatch in Heath, before opening the first bricks-and-mortar site in Lakeside in December 2023.
Focussed on hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas with Spanish influences and premium ingredients, Ballers quickly became a go-to spot in Lakeside for great-quality pizza, craft beers, cocktails, and a carefully curated wine list designed to complement the food offering, too.
New Head Chef Giacomo now joins Ballers from the acclaimed (and recently closed) 591 by Anatoni’s in Canton – bringing with him his passion for bold flavours and high-quality ingredients.
New Menu Additions
Giacomo’s arrival comes with a host of exciting new additions to the Ballers menu—offering customers more choice while keeping beloved favourites firmly on the menu (which officially launches from April 1st).
New side dishes on the menu include:
- Spanish-Style Paprika Chicken – served with spicy mayo
- Coated Deep-Fried Cauliflower – served with bravas sauce
- Chorizo & Chickpea – in apple cider vinegar and hot honey sauce
- Anchovies & Provolone Cheese – served on baked dough
- Roasted Aubergine – served with bravas and cheese sauce
- Mushrooms – cooked in a creamy white wine & cracked black pepper sauce, served on baked dough
Some of Ballers’ most popular pizzas (like the El Diablo and the El Hongo) remain on the menu, but are now sitting alongside some of Chef Giacomo’s exciting new creations:
- El Serrano – tomato and mozzarella base, red peppers, Serrano, rocket, galmesan
- El Mexicana – bravas sauce base, mozzarella, spicy paprika chicken, pink onions, chilies, pineapple & jalapeño chutney
- El Verde (VG) – wild garlic pesto base, courgette, olives, cherry tomatoes, red onions
- El Carne – tomato and mozzarella base, pulled beef, red peppers, parsley, chili, sour cream & chives
- El Sol – tomato and mozzarella base, artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, chives & lemon
- La Anchoa – tomato base, garlic, olives, onions & anchovies
- El Cerdo – white base, pancetta, sausage, black pudding, spinach, black pepper, mushroom, egg
Cocktail Menu Highlights
A new cocktail menu at Ballers now features classics and favourites, alongside the introduction of some seasonal specials:
- The Lakeside – Vibrant and colourful, perfect for spring and summer days with an exotic & punchy flavour profile. Made with vodka, Aperol & pineapple, and garnished with mint and passion fruit.
- Pepino Spritzer – Refreshing, cool, and crisp flavours from cucumber, cloudy apple & elderflower. Made with gin, with a touch of Malibu and muddled cucumber, topped with cava & soda.
- Lights Out – The Ballers take on a Lavender Gin Sour! A perfect after-dinner drink to end the night. Made with gin, lavender syrup, vodka & lemon.
‘Mates & Dates’ Nights at Ballers
In addition to the revamped food & cocktail menus, Ballers is gearing up for a busy 2025 with the launch of three new weekly offers designed to attract ‘mates and dates’ to the venue for a midweek treat:
- Tuesdays: Choose any two pizzas for £20
- Wednesdays: Choose any two cocktails for £15
- Thursdays: Two pizzas, two sides & a bottle of Spanish house red, white or rose wine for £60 (excludes specials)
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Giacomo to the Ballers team,” said Benito Martinez, co-owner of Ballers. “His creativity and expertise will breathe fresh life into our menu while staying true to our Spanish influences and dedication to top-quality produce. With the addition of our new offers too, we’re looking forward to a busy spring-summer season at Ballers—whether you’re planning to visit us with friends, family, or your significant other for some great pizza and cocktails—we’ve got you covered.”
