Popular London-based pizza restaurant Zia Lucia has signed the lease to a unit previously occupied by Ask Italian in Mary’s Butts, Reading town centre. 

Zia Lucia has signed a 15-year contract for the 1,173 sq. ft property, which is its first outside of London as part of its expansion into the rest of the UK.

Founded in 2016 by Italian born Claudio Vescovo and Gianluca D'Angelo, Zia Lucia – which translates to ‘Auntie Lucia’ – prides itself on its 48-hour slow fermented doughs and authentic venues.

Reading marks the start of Zia Lucia’s national rollout, as it looks to open up to 10 sites throughout the UK over the next three years following the significant success of its neighbourhood London restaurants.

Restaurant and Leisure Surveyor at Savills Jessica Hill comments: “We are delighted to be helping Zia Lucia, a hugely successful pizza brand in London, with their national expansion.

"Reading is a location that many London brands have chosen to support their growth outside of the capital.

"The city’s diverse and vibrant food and beverage scene is certainly an environment that Zia Lucia will thrive in.”

Managing Director of Zia Lucia Colin Doyle added: "This opening represents a huge milestone for us as a company and it is the natural next step to fulfil for our bigger vision to become the leading pizza brand in the UK and beyond."