East London Pub Pizza Earns Global Acclaim as World's Third Best
Britain's finest pizza has been officially identified, and it originates from two unassuming East London pubs. Ugo Galleli's Short Road Marinara pizza has recently been crowned the country's premier pizza offering, while simultaneously securing the remarkable position of third best pizza in the entire world.
The Secret Lies in the Dough
This extraordinary 14-inch creation, priced at £16, owes its success to a meticulously crafted 48-hour cold fermented dough. TimeOut Magazine judges praised this unique dough structure extensively, describing it as simultaneously light, fragrant, thin, and crispy. The pizza triumphed over competitors from across the globe, including renowned establishments in Naples, the historic birthplace of modern pizza.
"I couldn't even believe the TimeOut article," confessed Ugo, who operates from The Three Colts Tavern in Bethnal Green and The William the Fourth pub in Leyton. "I thought it was a joke. A judge said what stood out for them about our pizza is the unique dough structure."
From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition
The journey of Short Road Pizza (SRP) began modestly in 2020 when Ugo, then 39, started delivering pizzas to his Leytonstone neighbors every Sunday after slipping menus through their letterboxes. Following a pandemic-induced pause and a return to his advertising career, Ugo resurrected his pizza ambitions in 2024.
The brand secured its first permanent site at The Three Colts Tavern, rapidly cultivating an international reputation. This recognition was further solidified when the same Marinara pizza was declared National Pizza of the Year at the National Pizza Awards, surpassing established names like Franco Manca.
A Family Legacy of Culinary Excellence
Ugo's pizza philosophy is deeply rooted in family tradition. His Neapolitan grandfather, Luigi Giangreco, operated restaurant Don Luigi in Sestri Levante, which earned Liguria's first Michelin Star in 1978. Ugo fondly recalls family meals featuring thin, crispy pizzas cooked at lower temperatures for longer periods.
"I had always wanted to replicate that," Ugo explained. "Despite the 'Tsunami' of Neapolitan-style pizzas in London around 2010, I knew I wanted to do something different."
The Signature Creation: A Fusion of Styles
SRP's unique approach blends Romana and New York-style techniques, inspired by his grandfather's 'a bocca o forno' (mouth of the oven) cooking method. The award-winning Marinara features an innovative combination of ingredients including Chimichurri, garlic confit purée, dried oregano, stracciatella from burrata, and Sicilian anchovies.
"We wanted to bring classics with a twist," Ugo emphasized. "I don't want Short Road to fit with the mould - it's a style of our own. We have an Italian DNA, we bring the Italian roots and flavour. It's a real mix."
Sustainable Growth and Future Aspirations
Remarkably, on the very day TimeOut announced SRP's global ranking, Ugo also welcomed his firstborn son, Bruno. Despite this dual celebration and increasing fame, Ugo remains committed to maintaining the brand's intimate character.
"We definitely don't want Short Road to be a chain," he stated firmly. "But we would like our own place. We want to keep that intimate, human feel."
Most ingredients are sourced locally, with the exception of tomatoes imported from Italy. The mozzarella is produced by an Italian resident in the UK, supporting local businesses while maintaining authentic flavours.
The Philosophy Behind Extraordinary Pizza
Ugo attributes his success to personal conviction rather than following trends. "The secret is to follow what your heart says a pizza should be, instead of the trends," he revealed. "And not being afraid of being judged, pushing boundaries."
He even challenges culinary traditionalism, declaring: "I am all against traditionalists. I would happily put pineapple on a pizza if I found a reason for it. Otherwise, we would be doing the same pizza over and over again. You have to keep evolving."
From neighborhood deliveries to global recognition, Short Road Pizza demonstrates how passion, family heritage, and innovative thinking can create something truly exceptional in London's competitive culinary landscape.
