Legendary oven fires up new Montville pizza spot. The ‘Tex Perkins’ is a must

Q&A with Stuart Derham owner The Local Montville pizza restaurant, which has just opened

What’s the story behind The Local Montville Pizza — how did it come about?
The Local Montville is a rinse & repeat iteration of The Local Metung, a pizza shop on the Gippsland Lakes, 5 hours east of Melbourne.  The lease was due & there was an opportunity to relocate to where I have always wanted to live, the amazing Sunshine Coast.

What makes your pizzas or menu different from the rest?
The oven! It’s a 25 year old Beech oven, manufactured in Brisbane circa 2000 & spent its first 20 years on a food truck in south-east Melbourne.  Beech are renowned for excellence in wood-fired cooking equipment.  Our pizzas have a traditional Neapolitan base, very slow fermentation with some traditional & some less traditional ... brisket, smoked chicken etc etc.

What kind of atmosphere are you aiming to create for locals and visitors?
We are all about super simple food in a relaxed environment.  Thin crust pizza is always best straight out of the oven. Our outdoor, undercover eating area is perfect for lazy lunches & cruisy dinners.

Do you use local produce? Any standout ingredients?
Rangeview Angus brisket on the Tex Perkins pizza;
Hunchy bananas in the banana & maple ice cream;
Palmwoods honey in the honey & seasalt ice cream;
Maleny Dairy milk & cream in the ice cream.

How has the response been so far?
Fantastic. The Montville chamber of commerce has been incredible.  Have loved the little chats with locals just popping in for a sticky beak.

What’s your personal or customer-favourite pizza on the menu?
The Tex Perkins is a crowd favourite. 

Do you cater for families, takeaway, or dine-in — what’s most popular?
That’s the beauty of pizza, it’s for everyone.  We’re probably 50/50 dine in / take away.

What does it mean to you to be running a business in Montville?
I am absolutely loving the Sunshine Coast.  Should have done this years ago.  Montville is such a great community.  The business community has been really supportive.  The village atmosphere of Montville is fantastic.

How can customers find you?
Facebook - The Local Montville
Open 11am to 7pm, 7 days.