european chef opens pizzeria

While London’s pizza scene continues to evolve at a rapid pace, award-winning chef Andrea Asciuti is preparing to shake up Peckham’s culinary landscape with his innovative new concept. Asciuti, founder of the acclaimed 081 Pizzeria, will launch Connie’s Pizza at 133 Queen’s Road on January 26, 2026, introducing what he calls the “UK’s first Bri-talian pizza” to South East London.

This new venture represents a significant departure from traditional Neapolitan styles that dominate much of London’s pizza offerings. Asciuti, whose 081 Pizzeria recently ranked No. 43 in the “50 Top Pizza – Europe” 2024 list, has developed a hybrid approach that combines Italian techniques with British ingredients and London pizza culture.

Connie’s Pizza, named after Asciuti’s wife, will occupy the former Little Kudu site in Peckham. The restaurant will feature pizzas with light, crispy bases designed to pass the “no-flop test,” ensuring structurally sound slices that maintain their integrity when held. The dough, fermented for 36-48 hours and made with American flour, promises improved flavor and digestibility.

Enjoy pizza that stands tall, with perfectly fermented dough that delivers on both structure and taste.

The menu will showcase eight pizza options at launch, including tomato and aubergine, a classic margherita with British mozzarella, nduja with British stracciatella, and sautéed mushrooms with truffle and basil. The innovative menu exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal British ingredients throughout its offerings. This approach aligns with the growing trend of live fire cooking evident in other 2026 openings like Impala in Soho.

Sides will include meatballs, deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese, and mozzarella sticks, while the sole dessert offering will be Fiocco di Neve, a soft mini brioche filled with ricotta and whipped cream.

Local food enthusiasts can take advantage of a special opening offer featuring 25% off the total bill until the end of February 2026. This promotion aims to attract initial crowds to what Asciuti hopes will become a staple in Peckham’s increasingly competitive pizza landscape.

The opening comes at a time when London’s pizza scene has reportedly “really exploded” in 2025, creating both challenges and opportunities for new entrants. With Asciuti’s European reputation and the distinctive “Bri-talian” concept, Connie’s Pizza is positioned to make a significant impact on London’s 2026 restaurant openings.

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