Posh Pizzas In Mayfair
Pizza places are ten-a-penny in London, and not exactly luxurious. Or so we thought at Belle About Town, until we stumbled upon the Mayfair Pizza Company.
Nestled in a courtyard in the heart of Mayfair, this is a pizza joint with a difference. Climb the twisting staircase to the open-plan restaurant and kitchen and enter a true Mayfair establishment. From the delicately designed decor to the wonderful wine rack covering an entire wall, Mayfair Pizza Company knows its clientele and is ready and waiting to serve them up some top class gourmet grub. The polar opposite of the rough ‘n’ ready pizza parlour London has come to know so well, Mayfair Pizza Co. is less reclaimed furniture and filament lightbulbs and more sleek pine wood and vibrant red leather chairs.
Currently celebrating the introduction of a new Bloody Mary and superfood menu, there’s something to be had here to suit everyone. The pizzas themselves are created by head chef Michael Lecouteur from an open-plan kitchen, then cooked in a handsome rustic pizza oven.
Signature slices include Pulled Pork Shoulder with BBQ sauce, onions and crackling (£13) and Chorizo & Red Onion Calzone with black olives, jalapeños, nduja spicy sausage and fresh chilli (£14). My partner plumped for the Gourmet Pizza, with smoked brisket, friarelli, smoked mozzarella, Sicilian semi-dried cherry tomatoes and balsamic onions (£16) and me for the Pizza Blanco with Truffle and Porcini Mushrooms (£14). Cooked to perfection, both pizzas had just the right amount of ingredients as toppings to make them tempting, not overloaded. And while large, they’re served on a fine base, meaning you don’t have to forego a starter – we plumped for Salt and Pepper Squid with a delicious saffron aioli (7), and the simple yet effective fresh mozzarella with tomato and basil (£6) – and if you bide your time you’ll be ready for a dessert after another glass of wine or two.
But Mayfair Pizza Co. doesn’t just serve its namesake, either: together with gorgeous grills and big, Californian-style salads, inspired takes on Italian classics include starters like Meatballs (£5) and Beef Carpaccio (£8) and mains such as Cannelloni (£12) and Chicken & Prosciutto Milanese (£12). Try the wild-card Carb ‘n’ Mac – crab macaroni cheese with parmesan wafer (£9). Better still, enjoy a taste of everything by sharing family-style for just £30 – including nibbles, antipasti, a main, side and dessert. Perfect for glamorous group gatherings!
The best thing about eating at the most glamorous pizza place this side of New York is that the service is just as you would expect for any high class restaurant in the surrounding area. Polite and attentive, and knowledgable about the menu, it’s the small touches from staff – recommendations of dishes that don’t sound rehearsed, a little small talk but not enough to intrude on your evening – that ensure your evening feels relaxed and enjoyable.
And then come the puddings – oh boy! From Italian classics like Tiramisu (£5) and Panacotta (£6) to the incredible Sweet Pizzas. Designed to be shared (or for very, very hungry Belles!) these speciality pizzas are based on traditional desserts – from Wild Strawberry and Limoncello & Lime to Banana Tiramisu and Nutella Calzone (all £7).
Liquid is suitably luxe at Mayfair Pizza Co. and discerning drinkers can enjoy Prosecco on-tap, fine Italian wines and magnums alongside stylish sips such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini and Kir Royale.
All in all, having stumbled upon this restaurant during a mosey through Lancashire Court, it has already established itself as a return destination, either for a relaxed working lunch, or a great night with the girls. Pizza really has had a posh-over!
Mayfair Pizza Co. 4 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EY, 0207 629 2889. Nearest tube: Bond Street.
