For a quick sourdough-based treat while shopping, head to Franco Manca’s Stratford branch in Westfield. The pizzeria arrived in 2012, just in time for the London Olympics, making it a nice pizza marker in history. Westfield Stratford itself is jam-packed full of great high-street and high-end shops and activities, so you’ll need to head to the pizzeria to refuel yourself with high-quality pizza. There is easy access to mainline and underground links to the rest of London. Outside of the centre, you’ll find the immense Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which encompasses the London Aquatics centre, a wetlands walk, and the famous Olympic rings.
The counter service rivals all the other food options around, with the beautiful smell of freshly made to order pizzas wafting about. The sourdough is where it’s at this Naples export. The dough is made from an 18th century starter with 100% Italian flour from the Pivetti family farm in Bologna. Each batch is made with military precision every single day to allow a minimum 20 hour prove, which creates that signature taste that Franco Manca’s is famous for.
The toppings are no after-thought either, with seasonal produce sourced from Italy and Britain, offering the best of both countries. Featuring ingredients such as superb cured meats, flavour-packed cheeses, and stunning vegetables to choose from, you’ll be happy with whatever choice you make. Once you’ve decided, the pizzas only take 40 seconds to cook in the 500 degree custom-built Naples imported ovens. You’re in safe hands with the skilled pizzaiolos who are masters at manipulating the dough and wielding a peel with accuracy and care.
What are you waiting for? Head down to Stratford to grab your delicious slice of pizza, and you’ll realize nothing can beat the satisfaction of a hot pizza made right in front of you.