The pizzeria will open on Henrietta Street this autumn, bringing New Haven-style pizza to central London.
Lenny’s is the brainchild of Max Lewis, who began serving apizza (pronounced “ah-beetz”), a style first developed by Italian immigrants in New Haven in the early 1900s, at his residency at pub Bedford Tavern in Finsbury Park in 2024.
The Covent Garden opening marks the step up from residency to restaurant, although many of the menu options will remain, including the Tomato Pie and the signature The Lenny, which is one half topped with tomato, garlic and pecorino, the other a classic mozzarella pie. Further details on the menu to be revealed ahead of opening.
The pizza is defined by its signature crispy, chewy, charred crust, irregular slices, blistered edges and oblong shape, and is traditionally led by tomato and grated pecorino, with mozzarella treated as an optional extra rather than the main event.
Lewis (pictured above) opened Lenny’s having been inspired by New Haven’s pizza culture and following a number of trips to Connecticut, where he visited the city’s established pizzerias.
“Lenny’s started as a love letter to New Haven apizza and its culture. I couldn’t believe no one had brought this incredible style of pizza, and the stories behind it, to London,” says Lewis.
“The support I’ve had from both London and New Haven has been overwhelming - it’s been amazing to see this idea grow into something much bigger. Opening Lenny’s first permanent home in Covent Garden is totally surreal and partnering with MJMK Restaurants is a dream come true.”
Lenny’s is opening in partnership with MJMK Restaurants, the group behind Michelin-starred KOL and AngloThai, Luso and Fonda, and Casa do Frango.
“The very first idea Marco and I ever had was to open an East Coast pizzeria in London - we’ve always believed it’s the best pizza in the world,” says Jake Kasumov, co-founder of MJMK Restaurants.
“It never quite came together, so when I first tried Max’s pizza at his Lenny’s residency in a North London pub 18 months ago, it felt like fate. This was exactly the pizza we’d spent years looking for and never found.
“Getting to know Max sealed it - he’s an absolute legend, and we can’t wait for everyone to try it when we open in Covent Garden.”
Lenny’s will join Carmy’s Pizzeria in Covent Garden, a by-the-slice restaurant that has just been launched by Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany, the duo behind the Bite Twice Instagram food blog.