In the heart of East London, a pizza revolution is quietly unfolding, masterminded by an Italian founder with a deep family heritage. Short Road Pizza is serving up a unique hybrid that combines the best of two worlds: Romana-style pizza with a Chicago thin crust. This isn't your average delivery slice; it's a carefully crafted culinary experience that has found a home in a couple of the capital's beloved pubs.
A Slice of Heritage: The 'A Bocca O Forno' Technique
The story behind the pizza is as rich as its toppings. The venture is the brainchild of Italian founder Ugo, who pays direct homage to his grandfather, Gigi. Ugo has imported a traditional technique known as 'a bocca o forno', which translates to 'on the edge of the oven'. This method is key to achieving the pie's distinctive character: a light, crispy base with absolutely zero flop.
The result is a sturdy yet delicate canvas that can support an array of bold and inventive flavours without becoming soggy. It's a textural triumph that would impress even the most discerning critic – a fact humorously underscored by a nod to a classic Saturday Night Fever line about sauce that doesn't drip. While Short Road's sauce might not drip, it certainly delivers an explosive taste.
Where to Find These Flavour-Packed Pies
Londoners eager to try this unique offering need to head to two specific locations. The primary spot is The William The Fourth pub in Leyton. For those in a different part of East London, you can also get your fix at The Three Colts in Bethnal Green. These pubs provide the perfect, relaxed setting to enjoy a pizza that blurs the lines between Italian tradition and modern innovation.
What To Order: The Expert Recommendation
With creative combinations like nduja béchamel and classic marinara reinvented with garlic purée and spicy chimichurri, the menu tempts with variety. However, for the ultimate experience, there's a clear standout order. Bryan Mayes, Design Director for North America & UK, recommends getting the marinara and adding burrata and anchovies. He notes that while this adds an extra fiver to the bill, the upgrade is exceptionally well worth it for the creamy, salty, and umami-rich result.
Short Road Pizza demonstrates how London's food scene continues to thrive through specialisation and story. It’s not just another pizza place; it's a project built on family history, technical skill, and a fearless approach to flavour, served up one perfectly crisp, non-dripping slice at a time.
