Franco Manca and Otter-Barry Books launch nationwide ‘Poetry Pizza’ takeover to celebrate reading with families
24th March 2026
This Easter, families across the UK will be served a slice of poetry alongside their sourdough pizza as Franco Manca teams up with independent children’s publisher Otter-Barry Books for a nationwide ‘Poetry Pizza’ takeover.
The campaign celebrates the launch of Poetry Pizza, a brand-new poetry collection by acclaimed children’s poet Simon Mole, illustrated by Tom McLaughlin. As part of the initiative, a poem and illustrations from the book will appear nationwide across all restaurants on Franco Manca’s kids’ pizza menus, alongside playful ideas to help them write their own poems. Copies of Poetry Pizza will also be displayed in every branch.
Launching just after World Book Day and during the National Year of Reading, the campaign aims to encourage families to enjoy reading, playing with words and writing together in relaxed, everyday settings – including around the dinner table.
Bursting with laughs, lyricism, and heartwarming moments, Poetry Pizza is a fast-paced, fun-filled book designed to fire up young imaginations and make poetry playful and accessible for children and families alike.
To bring the experience to life, Simon Mole will also host a series of live and interactive family poetry readings and workshops inside Franco Manca restaurants during the Easter holidays, to fill families with poetry, rap and laughter as well as pizza.
Event Schedule
Tuesday 1 April: Richmond – 12:00pm; Westbourne Grove – 4:00pm
Wednesday 2 April: Bath – 12:00pm; Bristol – 4:00pm
The events will feature live readings from Poetry Pizza, fun (and quite silly) word games and creative activities inspired by the book, as well as delicious pizza! Simon will also be available to sign books. Families can book now to secure a spot.
Franco Manca, which has been pioneering sourdough pizza in the UK since 2008, sees the collaboration as a natural extension of its commitment to community and welcoming families into its restaurants.
Poet Simon Mole is delighted with the collaboration:
“I go to pizza restaurants with my own kids a lot. The menu is always a talking point and a chance for us to interact together as a family. I am so excited to have my poems, Tom’s incredible illustrations and these new poetry activities on the Franco Manca menu, bringing so many other families together.”
Olivia Matthews, Marketing Manager, at Franco Manca shared her enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Families are at the heart of what we do at Franco Manca and our local communities mean a great deal to us. This partnership, bringing together pizza and poetry, feels like the perfect way to continue creating memorable moments around the dinner table.”
Publisher Janetta Otter-Barry added:
“We are beyond excited to be partnering with Franco Manca and can’t wait to see poetry celebrated over pizza by families around the UK.”
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