Unlock is exactly the sort of place you’d expect to find in Hackney. Simultaneously functioning as a pizza restaurant, cocktail bar and art collective space, punters can pop in to quench all their dining, drinking and creative needs. This hybrid destination is the first venture from Napoli-born siblings, Arianna and Giovanni Izzo. Here, executive chef Arianna hones her skills to create the perfect Neapolitan dough, which involves leaving it to prove for over 30 hours.
The menu at the pizza restaurant revolves around tasty appetisers and artisan pizzas. Diners might choose to start their meal with the likes of Nerano Parmigiana, or meatballs with fries and cheese sauce. When it comes to the main event, pizzas include a selection of classic contemporary options, from a margherita topped with Fior di Latte to truffle cream with mortadella, burrata, hazelnut and basil.
To drink, guests can choose from a curated wine list featuring small wineries in the Campania region, plus sparkling wines from the north of Italy. For those who are only visiting for drinks, there’s a dedicated cocktail bar at the front of the venue. Guests are welcomed by purple neon lights and a 10 metre concrete bar with stainless steel counter, with space for up to 18 guests. Cocktails on the menu include a twist on a classic Aperol with white vermouth, honey and grapefruit juice, a gin cocktail with lychee, lemon, rose and tea cordial, or a vodka cocktail with italicus, cucumber, aloe juice and salt.
The food might be Neapolitan, but the interiors are Milanese. The restaurant is designed by Milan-based duo Cristina Belfanti and Dario Cattozziand, along with a Napoli-based furniture brand. Expect unique pieces with a vintage feel, along with plenty of artworks showcasing both Italian and Hackney artists. For those who want to immerse themselves in the full experience, there are exhibition evenings hosted every two months creating a hub for the local creative community.
The restaurant seats 75, with an extra 15 on the outdoor terrace. There are also two semi-private dining rooms accommodating six and eight guests.