Like all enduring icons tend to do over the years, The Zoo has evolved with the times. Since 2017 the venue has undergone a metamorphosis, resulting in some aesthetic tweaks that have served to enhance the gig-going experience for its punters and back-of-house operations for crew and bands. Though many of us have fond memories of sweaty nights thrashing about in the front row of countless rock gigs at The Zoo, we were stoked when the venue added air-conditioning. Later this year, The Zoo might even expand its footprint with some exciting potential concepts currently up for approval. Now, those of us who have made the mad dash through The Valley for food in between sets can rest easy knowing that come Saturday January 15, The Zoo can sort our hunger pangs with its own in-house pizzeria.

Zoopreme Pizzeria inhabits the venue’s newfangled kitchen space and is helmed by gifted Italian chef Luigi De Santo, who has devised a menu of Italian classics and contemporary options that pay homage to the live-music scene. There’s also talk of some off-menu items inspired by The Zoo’s original kitchen – you’ll have to ask the bar staff if you want to know more. To celebrate the launch of Zoopreme Pizzeria, The Zoo will be hosting a pizza party from 6:30 pm this Saturday evening featuring pizza and drink specials, and performances from Sydney punks Totally Unicorn, Brisbane quintet Being Jane Lane and Cooper Reilly (Bad Neighbour). The event will boast free entry and a free slice of pizza for those that arrive between 6:30–7:30 pm.

Zoopreme Pizzeria will open in conjunction with events, though non-ticket holders will be able to dine in from 11:30 pm to 2:30 am. Additional operating hours for non-event days will be announced soon – stay tuned to Zoopreme Pizzeria’s social media pages for more info. 

Image: Luke Henery