OPENS 16 MARCH 2020
Not only will the new Pizza Pilgrims in Camden serve up its winning range of Neapolitan pizzas, it’s also due to house an academy aimed at helping anyone looking for a fresh start in the hospitality industry.
The new premises, located just a short distance from Camden Town tube station, will include a ‘pizza theatre’ where chefs can perform demos to students before letting them loose in the pizzeria to try out their new skills. Anyone can sign up, but the academy is particularly aimed at former offenders, ex-homeless and young people looking to get a foot in the door in the restaurant industry.
It’s not the first time the barnstorming chain has branched out – the second venue from the original Pizza Pilgrims, Thom and James Elliott, upped the ante with monthly specials, seasonal toppings and a range of deep-fried delights. Camden will be the 13th Pizza Pilgrims outfit, with 11 others in London and one in Oxford – a far cry from the pair’s humble street-food origins.
The menu is as appealing as ever, with plenty of interesting topping combinations and ways to pimp your pizza – truffle dip for crusts, anyone? Whether you go for a simple margherita, made with double-fermented dough and authentic Italian tomato sauce, fior de latte mozzarella, parmesan, basil and olive oil, or something a little more adventurous – perhaps the double pepperoni with spicy honey – you’re guaranteed that squidgy base with charred edges that makes Pizza Pilgrims one of London’s best pizza joints.
If you find you still have room after pizza and sides such as deep-fried Italian mac ‘n’ cheese balls or aubergine parmigiana, there are sweet treats in the form of affogato, salted caramel tiramisu, gelato and a Nutella pizza ring to finish off with. Drinks include the usual wines, beers, cocktails and softs, plus proper Neapolitan espresso from The Kimbo Roastery in Naples for a caffeine hit to send you on your way.