An acclaimed London pizza chef, celebrated for creating one of Europe's finest pizzas, is set to expand his empire with a new 'Bri-talian' restaurant in South London. Andrea Asciuti, the mastermind behind the highly-rated 081 Pizzeria in Peckham Rye, will open his second site, Connie's Pizza, later this month.
From European Acclaim to a New 'Bri-talian' Vision
Andrea Asciuti's first venture, 081 Pizzeria, opened in Peckham Rye in 2021 and swiftly earned a formidable reputation. Its quality was officially recognised in 2024 when it was ranked an impressive 43rd on the prestigious '50 Top Pizza' guide for the best pizzas in Europe. Building on this success, Asciuti is now channelling a personal inspiration into his new project.
Connie's Pizza is named after his wife, Connie, and draws from the experience of raising his daughter with a blend of British and Italian cultures. The new restaurant will occupy a railway arch at 133 Queen’s Road in Peckham, taking over the premises previously home to the South African eatery Smokey Kudu. It is scheduled to open its doors to the public on Monday, January 26.
Italian Technique Meets British Flavour
The core philosophy of Connie's Pizza is what Asciuti terms 'Bri-talian' – a dedicated fusion of Italian culinary craft with British-sourced ingredients. The restaurant will feature an art-deco interior and offer seating for 53 covers.
The pizza-making process remains rigorously authentic, starting with a specially hydrated dough that undergoes a slow fermentation of over 36 hours. This dough is then baked at an extremely high temperature to achieve a distinctive crisp base. The toppings then introduce the British element, combining classic Italian tomatoes with cheeses, meats, and vegetables sourced from within the UK.
The menu will also include a selection of side dishes such as deep-fried mac 'n' cheese and classic meatballs. For dessert, patrons can enjoy a single, signature offering: the 'fiocco di neve', a soft brioche filled with ricotta and whipped cream.
A Stand for Quality in London's Pizza Scene
Speaking to Restaurant Online, Andrea Asciuti explained his motivation, stating that London-style pizza is currently "having its moment". He emphasised that this style is defined by "crispness, control and care".
"Connie's exists because too many pizzas are being cooked without care, without understanding fermentation, baking or balance," Asciuti said. "Crispy is not a shortcut - 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."
The opening marks a significant addition to Peckham's vibrant food scene, offering a new destination for pizza enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, locally-inflected take on the Italian classic.
