St John’s Hill makes for a very good setting for a summer’s evening: al fresco terraces, an excellent selection of buzzy wine bars and restaurants, and neighbourhood vibes, especially given that this side of Clapham Junction is just a stone’s throw away from the nearby and my local Lavender Hill. Relatively new to its foodie scene is Pizza Brixton, an offshoot of its Brixton namesake. Perhaps this one should have been titled Pizza Battersea?!
Pizza Brixton serves Neapolitan pizza; their promise of authenticity lives up to expectation. It all felt very southern Italian, especially given its Italian founders and the so very warm and welcoming staff, all of whom seemed to be from bella Italia. The setting too felt very homely: oak wood, Farrow & Ball railings tones, and a lovely atrium seating area out back.
Onto the food, the produce used is top notch, such that their antipasti offerings are not to be missed. Don’t overlook their special of “Puccia” (£6.20): a freshly baked pizza bread filled with cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, mixed leaf salad and pesto “tradizionale”. Although I’m certainly not one for a sandwich, this Italian version of one is very tempting. Just look at those charred spots on its top layer…
Onto the pizzas, the menu is straight-forward – a sign of a no-fuss and authentic pizzeria. We shared the Margherita (£6.40) and Funghi Carciofi e olive (£8.80) of mixed mushrooms, artichokes and olives. Simple, tasty and Neapolitan – these pizzas are exactly how you’d imagine a Neapolitan pizza to be. The beautifully charred crusts are worth savouring and the simplicity of their offerings and menu is a positive.
If you want a friendly neighbourhood eatery, head here. Whilst you could stroll to Northcote Road’s Franco Manca, with the service of this ever-expanding chain varying greatly depending on the location of each branch, for something for local and intimate, Pizza Brixton (or Battersea) is a welcome alternative.
Pizza Brixton, 195 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TH
Website: pizzabrixton.co.uk
Rating: ****
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