THE most exciting new pizzeria around!

That was how the Telegraph & Argus described Mr Dobb’s Pizza Factory when it opened on Great Horton Road in March, 1988.

“With few privately owned pizzerias of substantial size in Bradford, the arrival of Mr Dobbs is creating a lot of interest,” went the T&A report. “As is the opening of the adjoining Mr Dobb’s pub - which already has its own football team. There is a self contained games room with pool table, darts and dominoes and pleasant background music with strict volume control!”

Mr Dobb’s and his pizzas brought a new style of family dining to 1980s Bradford. Said the T&A: “Following in the footsteps of the excellent Mr Dobb’s Pizza Factory in Halifax - which has served over half a million meals in the last seven years - the new venue is all set to become Bradfords most popular and exciting family eating place.

“To ensure the additional success of Mr Dobb’s, the head chef from Halifax, Mr Chris Needham, will be transferring over there to take charge. As a co-director and shareholder in the company, it is in his best intersts to make sure you enjoy your meal. Reassuring to think that whatever comes out of the kitchen is sent to you by the owner!

“Owner Mr Ian Dobbie had been looking for a site in Bradford for some time. When this two level property, formerly Jaggers Garage, became available it was ideal. The entrnace at the back from the car park leads into the Pizzeria, from the roadside at the front into Mr Dobbs’ bar.

“The pizzeria, which seats 80, has an open plan kitchen so you can watch every stage of the preparation of your meal. Choices of pizza range from traditional favourites such as the Margherita to the more spicy and exotic American Hot”...”seven delicious varieties of burger are all made to a special recipe. All dishes can be shared - just ask for an extra plate.

“The average cost of a meal at Mr Dobb’s Pizza Factory has proved to be under £5. All tastes are catered for and in addition to mouthwatering dishes such as lasagne, cannelloni and spaghetti bolognaise you can also enjoy dishes such as Steak Diane.

“An exciting feature of the menu is the Chef’s Specials Board. Dishes are cooked to order and with one of the four new Bradford chefs coming from Chile, there should be some hot and spicy choices on offer!”

So who remembers Mr Dobb’s Pizza Factory? In a pre-Nando’s age, it represented a new kind of casual dining, with shared dishes and an open plan kitchen.

It got us thinking about other Bradford restaurants we once loved that are no longer here. Asking around friends and colleagues, it seems that Guiseppe’s Back Yard, tucked away down Albion Court in the city centre, was a popular choice, along with The Ital on Bolton Road, Clarks in Heaton and The Connection in Shipley. And who remembers Kamares La Ronde, a Greek restaurant next to Bar Tropicana on Great Horton Road?

We’d love to hear your memories of long gone restaurants in Bradford and the wider district.

* Email emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk