Clifford's may sound like an odd name for a pizza joint - and, that's because it is. The real story behind this now-Mediterranean restaurant goes back to 1344 when the original Clifford's Inn was built, right in the heart of historic Chancery Lane. In 1934 it was demolished but when hospitality specialist and founder, Gemma Ellis, decided to reinvigorate the site in 2018, she kept the original name as a nice nod to the past.
Gemma has years of experience in pubs and so, while the original plan was to create a British menu with a playful look back at retro classics, she felt inspired by trips to Italy and investing in the perfect pizza oven. Now, Clifford's is very much known for its handmade, seasonal pizzas and what's more, Gemma sources produce from her hometown in Suffolk when possible, bringing the likes of quince, medlar, plums, crab apples, elderflower and sloes up to London, to use across pizza toppings and cocktails.
But, with all this talk of pizza, what's actually on the menu? Creative, indulgent, gooey, delicious pizzas, that's what. Take the Hawaiian, for example, this classic is given new life with a pineapple base, coppa, fior Di latte, fresh pineapple, fior Di latte and jalapeños, while vegetarian options bring together a delica pumpkin cream base, fior di latte, delica pumpkin chunks and guanciale.
Smaller dishes might include Puglian burrata, scattered with figs, hazelnut crumb and basil, alongside pork chop with apple sauce and cider braised hispi cabbage, and even deep fried Lasagna with marinara sauce.
As for cocktails, concoctions change by the week. One time it might be the Liquid Applepie with fireball, apple juice, vanilla vodka and egg white, the next it could be a Blue Mai Tai with rum, coconut, blue curaçao, lime and pineapple. Personally, we can't wait to try the Rhubarb Paloma with rhubarb puree, tequila, grapefruit lime and soda.