Andrea Asciuti will launch Connie’s Pizza, which is named after his wife Connie and inspired by his daughter Lili who was born into both British and Italian culture, beneath the railway arches of Queen’s Road Peckham on the site that was most recently home to Smokey Kudu.
The restaurant is described as blending Italian mindset, technique and ingredients with British flavours, produce and culture and will serve London-style pizza.
The pizzas will be made with a high-hydration dough fermented for 36-48 hours, and baked at 370°C using American flour to achieve a crisp, non-floppy base. They will feature Italian tomatoes, and mozzarella, meats, and vegetables from Britain.
Sides will include deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, classic meatballs, and a single dessert - fiocco di neve, a soft brioche filled with ricotta and whipped cream.
There’s a fine line between charred and burnt, crisp and dry. That line is being crossed too often in the industry
Andrea Asciuti
Asciuti, who launched Neapolitan style 081 Pizzeria in Peckahm in 2021 having previously co-founded the highly-rated pizzeria Bravi Ragazzi, says his new concept will tap into the popularity of London pizza, a space he believes has been diluted by trend-led operators and inconsistent execution.
“I love that London-style pizza is finally having its moment - but moments don’t last without knowledge,” says Asciuti.
“London-style pizza is about crispiness, control and care. There’s a fine line between charred and burnt, crisp and dry. That line is being crossed too often in the industry.
“Connie’s exists because too many pizzas are being cooked without care, without understanding fermentation, baking, or balance. Crispy is not a short cut - it’s a responsibility.
“Connie’s is my answer to that. It’s Bri-talian pizza done properly, with Italian technique, British flavour, and zero compromise.”
Connie’s Pizza will have 53 covers and feature an art-deco-leaning aesthetic. It will open on 26 January with Asciuti saying he has a long-term ambition to franchise the concept for expansion.
