RIP, the Humble Pizzeria. London, once a city teeming with doughy delights and cheesy goodness, has witnessed a tragic decline in its pizzeria population. The once-ubiquitous pizza joint, a cornerstone of countless classy nights out and late-night cravings, is now a dwindling relic. When L’Antica’s ambitious expansion into High Barnet ended in defeat, I finally resigned to accept the rise of yet another Burger phase in our glorious city.
And that’s where Pizza Pilgrims come along. Earmarked as culinary crusaders dedicated to bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to London. They came like knights in shining armour offering thin, charred crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Now obviously, they’re nothing new to London’s food scene, they’ve managed to stamp their authority and remain one of the last bastions of what pizzerias should be.
As humble pizza places are viciously pushed aside by artisan mock-Brasseries, my heart yearns for the £10 margarita.
Their History
Nestled in the vibrant Exmouth Market, Pizza Pilgrims is a culinary oasis in a desert of inordinate expense. Stepping through the modest wooden doors, diners are transported to the sun-drenched streets of Naples. With its commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizza-making, this charming pizzeria has quickly become a beloved institution in London’s food scene. The restaurant’s rustic decor, featuring exposed brick walls and vintage signage, creates a cosy and inviting ambience. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the skilled pizzaiolos at work, crafting each pizza with precision and passion.
Pizza Pilgrims was founded in 2011 by brothers Thom and James Elliot. Inspired by their love of Neapolitan pizza, the brothers embarked on a culinary pilgrimage to Italy, learning the art of pizza-making from some of the most renowned pizzaiolos in the country. Upon their return to London, Thom and James started selling their pizzas from the back of a Piaggio Ape van, a three-wheeled Italian commercial vehicle. Their initial market stall in Soho was a modest affair, but their delicious pizzas quickly gained a loyal following.
The success of their street food venture led Thom and James to open their first brick-and-mortar pizzeria in 2013. The restaurant was an instant hit, and Pizza Pilgrims soon expanded to multiple locations across London. Today, the company operates a chain of popular pizzerias, serving up authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to hungry diners throughout the city. Pizza Pilgrims is dedicated to preserving the traditional methods of Neapolitan pizza-making. They use only the finest ingredients, including imported flour from Naples and fresh, mozzarella from southern Italy. The pizzas are cooked in wood-fired ovens, ensuring a crispy crust and a smoky flavour.
The Pizza Perfection
The menu at Pizza Pilgrims is simple yet satisfying. The focus is on traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dough is expertly fermented for at least 48 hours, resulting in a light, airy crust with a perfect balance of chewiness and crispness. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a beautiful char and a smoky flavour.
One of the standout features of Pizza Pilgrims is the quality of their toppings. The tomatoes used in their pizza sauce are imported directly from Naples, ensuring an authentic and flavorful taste. The mozzarella is also sourced from the finest producers in Italy, providing a creamy and stretchy texture. Other popular toppings include salami, prosciutto, mushrooms, and artichokes. For those who prefer a meatless option, Pizza Pilgrims offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan pizzas. The “Funghi” pizza, topped with mixed mushrooms and truffle oil, is a particular favourite among vegetarians. The “Vegan Margherita” is a simple yet delicious option for vegans, featuring vegan mozzarella and a rich tomato sauce.
The only thing better than a slice of Pizza Pilgrims is two slices.
The inevitable burden of being a bustling pizzeria is the business. As a popular spot, Pizza Pilgrims can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours. This can lead to long wait times for seating and ordering, and the noise level can be high. If you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, it’s best to visit during off-peak hours. This brings a lively and inviting atmosphere but also makes Pizza Pilgrims less than ideal for in-depth discussion. In tandem with this they often have limited seating, which could make it difficult to find a table, especially for larger groups. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends or during special events.
It’s the end of my pizza panic.
The Verdict
London, a city renowned for its culinary diversity, has long been plagued by a pizza panic. Countless contenders have risen and fallen, each claiming to have the secret to the perfect slice. But amidst the chaos, Pizza Pilgrims has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a slice of heaven in the midst of London’s pizza purgatory.
Their pizzas, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, are like a warm embrace on a cold London day. The crust is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and the sauce is a flavorful symphony of sweetness and tang. The toppings are piled high, but never overwhelming, and the cheese is gooey and delicious. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to lick your plate clean. Beyond the exceptional quality of their pizzas, Pizza Pilgrims offers a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff that make you feel right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza connoisseur or a casual diner, Pizza Pilgrims is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of London in search of the perfect slice, look no further than Pizza Pilgrims. It’s the end of my pizza panic.