La Pia is the oldest pizzeria in my native town (La Spezia, Italy) and, as I always loved them, I was really happy when I heard they were going to open a restaurant in London, the city where I live now. They bake an excellent 'thick' pizza, a wide range of plain and cheese focaccia and, above all, the amazing 'farinata', a thin and crispy focaccia made from chickpea flour, salt, olive oil and water that is typical of Ligurian and Tuscan cuisine. Today I went with my wife to the brand new La Pia restaurant in Ladbroke Grove and we were not disappointed at all. Pizza and farinata are as good as I remember them from my previous experience in Italy: they are perfectly baked and use the best ingredients such as fresh Italian tomato sauce and mozzarella. I know the menu includes the amazing focaccia with Nutella too but we didn't try it this time. We'll definitely return to taste it!
I peaked inside with my doggy today, and were greeted by the friendliest staff! I wasn't able to sit down for a meal, but that didn't stop them from giving me free tasters of their delicious margherita pizza, farinata (sooo delicious and unique) and focaccia al formaggio. Super welcoming to my doggy as well. Will definitely be back for a full meal and will share with all my local friends!
🚇 Barbican
🍺 £6.70 Moretti
❤️ A brutalist Barbican boozer.
The Shakespeare sits on a corner of a crescent of shops and flats at the front end of the Golden Lane Estate EC1. The nearest Tube is Barbican which is only a two minute walk.
The Shakespeare was built in 1964 and is Grade II listed. The name is inspired by the Bard himself, who lived some hundred metres away throughout his time in London.
The is a one bar pub with a comedy club in the basement. The bar is set out in almost a “H” shape with the servery on the left hand side as you walk in. Even though this pub is traditionally decorated, due to the architecture of the building it does feel modern in here. The seating is a mix of elongated leatherette banquettes, a few poser tables and traditional tables and chairs. Around the walls are gold framed Elizabethan era repro portraits, mirrors and chalkboards with promotions.
The beer choice was a straightforward selection of keg beers and ciders. I opted for a Moretti, decent enough pint but a bit pricey for this lager. There is a simple eclectic food menu comprising of Burgers, pasta and Toasties, a Ham & Cheese Toastie cost £5.95.
I arrived around 4.30pm on a sunny Friday afternoon in July. The pub was fairly quiet as Fridays in the city are not as busy as they once was. There were a few punters sat inside, the majority were sat outside enjoying the summer sun and watching the world go by. The service here was excellent, the Guvnor is a bit of a character, he was jovial and set an upbeat tone.
@theshakespearebarbican is not the most handsome of boozers you’ll come across and almost has an estate pub feel. I enjoyed my visit here primarily due to the pub’s location and sitting outside watching the comings and goings around the Barbican. This pub is worth a look of you’re in the area.
ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 07.07.23
A great pub with great atmosphere, comfy sofa/chairs, a piano, a resident cat- and most importantly has a few boardgames. So essentially you can always come here with your friends and play (for free might I add- unlike those commercial and expensive boardgame pubs)
Had 0 expectations coming in here and just wanted a quick bite to eat after travelling all day. Have to say I was very impressed and think this is a lovely quirky pub with really affordable food and drinks and a great pub cat!
The barmen were friendly. Happy hour cocktails (5-7pm) are valid when ordering the same drink.
The food menu was quite limited but from the options available, we chose tortellini and a beef burger - both were delicious.
Toilet facilities could be better.
Popped in today with some family and found it child friendly and welcoming. There was a relaxed atmosphere and the resident cat was very accommodating with my young nephew and took the attention in his/her stride. We did not have food but will do another time.
Nice pub for a relaxing evening after a hectic week. Good drinks, relaxing atmosphere and a chilled ambience. Pizza isn't bad either.
Had a burger while watching footy. Burger was amazing. Perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Fries where banging.
For some reason I was a expecting a verrrrry old crusty pub but it wasn’t… pleasant decor and staff! Quiet on the weekend. Seems popular for after work drinks
I really like the staff, especially the owner, Oscar!
Also, they have their own brand gin called Shakes' Ink. I am not a fan of gin at all but I drink this one straight. Soooooo good!
Incredible team any amazing company! Thank you so much for the nice evening
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