The Quest for London's Best Pizza Leads to Bethnal Green
When a pizza establishment receives the prestigious title of London's best from TimeOut and wins Pizza of the Year at the National Pizza Awards, curiosity naturally follows. MyLondon reporter Ayokunle Oluwalana embarked on a culinary investigation to determine if Short Road Pizza, located within the Three Colts Tavern in Bethnal Green, truly lives up to its accolades.
An East London Ambiance Sets the Scene
Entering the Three Colts Tavern, the atmosphere immediately captures the essence of contemporary East London. A pottery class occupies one corner, while tables are filled with patrons chatting, working on laptops, or accompanied by their dogs. This vibrant setting provides the perfect backdrop for a pizza tasting adventure.
The target was the Short Road Marinara pizza, a 14-inch creation priced at £16. This pizza features a combination of tomato, garlic puree, spicy chimichurri, burrata, and Sicilian anchovies. The promise of bold flavors and substantial size generated considerable anticipation.
The Pizza Arrives: A Visual and Tactical Challenge
Upon arrival, the pizza presented a visually appealing spectacle with its thin, crispy crust and generous dollops of burrata. However, the initial attempt to handle a slice revealed a chaotic reality. The ends had become slightly soggy during photography, and the burrata seemed determined to escape, dripping down the pizza and onto the reporter's face.
Despite the messy ordeal, the flavors proved extraordinary. The crispiness of the crust, once past the soggy edges, delivered a satisfying texture. Each bite offered a sublime taste experience, with the huge slices justifying the culinary chaos. The reporter noted that if a pizza isn't messy, perhaps it wasn't worth the effort, even as numerous napkins were employed for cleanup.
Flavor Analysis and Side Dish Excellence
The spicy chimichurri sauce, however, presented a minor critique. Throughout the meal, it was mistaken for pesto due to its lack of noticeable heat. Only when a dining companion inquired about its spiciness did the realization occur. Nonetheless, all sauces harmonized beautifully, creating a complex flavor profile.
Accompanying the pizza, the Crispy Sicilian Potatoes emerged as a standout side dish. Perfectly roasted with a burst of flavor in each bite, and served with a Parmigiano and garlic dip, these potatoes provided excellent value at £7. The portion size was plentiful, contributing to an overall satisfying dining experience.
Verdict: A Worthy Award Winner
As the meal concluded, the reasons behind Short Road Pizza's awards became clear. This pizza distinguishes itself from typical sourdough varieties overloaded with mozzarella, offering a unique and memorable culinary encounter. The messiness, while challenging, added to the joy of the experience, though the reporter humorously acknowledged potential room for improved eating techniques.
Short Road Pizza operates from two locations: Three Colts Tavern at 199 Cambridge Road in Bethnal Green and William The Fourth at 816 High Road in Leyton. The pub typically requires bookings for groups of four or more, while smaller parties can attempt walk-in visits.
