Best Italian Pizza Pubs

Just what London needs - another pub with an identity crisis. The Loose Box in London's bustling center initially struck me as yet another establishment trying too hard to be everything to everyone. You know the type: part-gastropub, part-sports bar, with a dash of "we make artisanal pizza now" thrown in for good measure. How thoroughly original. But damn it all if this place hasn't wormed its way into my cynical heart like an unwanted but oddly charming houseguest. The first thing that caught my attention - besides the peculiar name that sounds like a defunct shipping company - was the surprisingly welcoming atmosphere. It's spacious without feeling cavernous, a rare feat in a city where many pubs seem designed by sardine-can enthusiasts. The beer selection at The Loose Box made me raise an eyebrow, and not in my usual judgmental way. They've managed to curate a draft list that balances crowd-pleasers with enough interesting options to keep your beer-snob friend from launching into their tired craft brewery monologue. The fact that they serve these at the proper temperature - a concept seemingly foreign to half of London's pubs - already puts them ahead of the curve. Let's talk about the pizza, shall we? When I first spotted the pizza menu, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly gave myself a headache. Another London pub thinking it can do Italian? Please. But then I actually tried it, and... well, this is awkward. It's good. Legitimately good. The kind of good that makes you question your life choices and wonder why you've spent years accepting mediocre pub pizza elsewhere. The crust has that perfect balance of crisp and chewy that makes you forget you're in a pub and not some trendy pizzeria in Naples. The service, much to my chagrin, is actually competent. The staff seems to have mastered that elusive art of being attentive without hovering like anxious helicopters. Though I should mention the kitchen's apparently flexible interpretation of operating hours - they seem to subscribe to the "we close when we feel like it" school of thought. It's frustrating, yes, but somehow adds to the place's chaotic charm. The space itself deserves mention - they've managed to nail that sweet spot between "traditional pub" and "modern gathering space" without falling into the Pinterest-inspired decoration trap that plagues so many renovated London pubs. The outdoor seating area is particularly pleasant, assuming you enjoy watching the endless parade of London life shuffling past while nursing your pint. Speaking of pints, the pricing is... well, it's London. You're not going to gasp in horror at the bill, but you won't be texting your mates about the bargain of the century either. It sits comfortably in that middle ground where you can justify a couple of rounds without having to remortgage your flat. For sports enthusiasts (I use that term loosely), The Loose Box has enough screens to satisfy your need to watch millionaires kick balls around, without transforming the entire establishment into a shrine to Sky Sports. It's a delicate balance they've somehow managed to achieve. The Loose Box has carved out its own peculiar niche in London's saturated pub scene. It's dog-friendly (because heaven forbid Londoners leave their precious pooches at home), takes cards (welcome to the 21st century), and even accepts reservations - a concept that seems to befuddle many of its competitors. Fine. I admit it. The Loose Box in London is worth your time. Whether you're after a proper pint, surprisingly good pizza, or just a space to escape the chaos of central London that isn't staffed by surly bartenders who treat customers as inconveniences, you'll find something to like here. Just check if the kitchen's open before you set your heart on that pizza. And if you see a jaded food writer in the corner pretending not to enjoy themselves, do us both a favor and pretend you didn't notice.

Let me tell you about The City Pride in London, because this place is seriously becoming the stuff of legend. Picture this: you're wandering through the city, maybe feeling a bit "meh" about your usual spots, when BAM - you stumble into this absolute gem that's somehow mastered the holy trinity of perfect pizza, proper pints, and pure London pub vibes. Okay, first things first - The City Pride isn't just another London pub pretending to do good food. This place has somehow convinced an Italian pizza wizard to set up shop in their kitchen, and let me tell you, it's a GAME CHANGER. We're talking pizzas that make you question everything you thought you knew about pub food. The kind that makes you text your friends at midnight saying "WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS PLACE SOONER?!" You know those nights that start with "just one quick drink" and end up becoming stories you tell for years? That's The City Pride's specialty. Maybe you roll in for a casual Thursday pint, but then the aroma of freshly baked pizza hits you, and suddenly you're four hours deep into what your group chat will later declare "The Great Pizza Revolution of 2024." The pizzas here? They're basically edible art, but like, the kind of art you want to inhale immediately. The Sicilian-style creations are the star of the show - crispy, chewy, and topped with ingredients that would make an Italian grandmother weep with joy. And get this - they even do these wild charcoal-base options that look Instagram-worthy but taste even better than they look. It's the kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite and make that "holy moly" face. Let's talk drinks because The City Pride in London isn't messing around here either. Their beer selection is spot-on (the London Pride is, obviously, pristine), and they've got a solid wine list that pairs surprisingly well with their pizza game. The cocktails? They're not trying to be some fancy mixology lab - they're just consistently good, which is exactly what you want in a proper pub. The vibe here is exactly what you're after when you can't decide if you want "nice pub" or "quality restaurant." It's somehow both, and neither, in the best possible way. During lunch, it's your secret weapon for client meetings that need to impress without trying too hard. Come evening, it transforms into this buzzing space where the energy is infectious and everyone seems to be having the best time of their life. Here's some insider intel: book ahead if you're rolling deep with your crew - this place knows how to handle groups, but the secret's getting out. The dine-in experience is where the magic happens, but they do takeout and delivery too (though honestly, it's like watching a concert on YouTube versus being there live - both good, but one's clearly superior). Pro tip: weekday lunches are your golden ticket if you want to really savor the pizza without having to shout your order. But let's be real - sometimes a bit of cheerful chaos is exactly what you're after, and The City Pride delivers that too. Just don't expect library-level quiet during peak hours. This is where conversations turn into friendly shouting matches and somehow that makes everything MORE fun. The City Pride has planted its flag in London's pub scene and said "Yeah, we're doing things differently here." It's where traditional pub culture got tired of being predictable and decided to have an affair with premium pizza-making. The result? Pure magic, my friends. Listen, London's got about a million places where you could spend your evening. But right now, The City Pride is writing some of the best stories in town. Whether it's date night, team drinks, or your "I survived another week" celebration, this is where you want to be. Don't be the person who finds out about this place last - be the legend who introduces your friends to their new favorite spot. Trust me, your social stock will skyrocket.