'It's Bri-talian pizza done properly, with Italian technique, British flavour and zero compromise'
Stewart Carr
09:34, 15 Jan 2026
One of London's best pizza chefs will soon open a second pizzeria in Peckham, this time with a 'British' twist. Andrea Asciuti is the brains behind 081 Pizzeria in Peckham Rye, which opened to much fanfare in 2021 and was voted 43rd on 'The Best Pizzas in Europe list' by 50 Top Pizza in 2024.
Now, Asciuti is planning to launch a second pizzeria - Connie's Pizza - named after his wife Connie and inspired by his daughter growing up with a mix of British and Italian influences. The 'Bri-talian' restaurant will take over one of the railway arches of Queen's Road in Peckham, the site most recently occupied by South African restaurant Smokey Kudu.
Connie's Pizza will open on January 26 with 53 covers, boasting an art-deco interior design. The restaurant will serve Italian pizza London-style, blending Italian technique with British flavours and produce.
The pizzas will be cooked with a specially hydrated dough fermented for over 36 hours, and then baked on extremely high heat for a crisp base, before being topped with Italian tomatoes and British-sourced cheese, meats and vegetables.
Side dishes include the likes of deep fried mac 'n' cheese, classic meatballs, and just one dessert on the menu - fiocco di neve - a tender brioche filled with ricotta and whipped cream.
Asciuti told Restaurant Online that London-style pizza is "having its moment", adding: "London style pizza is about crispness, control and care. That line is being crossed too often in the industry.
"Connie's exists because too many pizzas are being cooked without care, without understanding fermentation, baking or balance. Crispy is not a shortcut - it's a responsibility. Connie's is my answer to that. It's Bri-talian pizza done properly, with Italian technique, British flavour and zero compromise."
Connie's Pizza will open at 133 Queen’s Road, Peckham, on Monday, January 26
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