Elephant Hackney occupies a fully restored Victorian pub on Lower Clapton Road, bringing southern Italian cooking and Neapolitan pizza into the heart of East London. Co-founded by hospitality veteran Stevie Thomas and chef Francesco Sarvonio, previously of Manteca, the space merges regional Italian warmth with neighbourhood spirit and a playful visual identity.
A salvaged skylight from a former East End cinema floods the main room with light. Vintage Italian film posters, David Shrigley prints and a mural of Dumbo the elephant pay tribute to the building’s past as a picture house. Timber floors, exposed brick and mid-century details create a convivial, slightly theatrical setting that remains firmly grounded in its local context.
The kitchen draws from the traditions of Naples and Campania. Small plates offer bold, unfussy flavours: frittatina with peas and basil, courgette flowers with spicy honey aioli, and ox cheek croquettes with anchovy mayonnaise. Pizzas are the focal point, blistered and billowy, from a caper-leaf and garlic marinara to the indulgent La Squisita with pancetta, squacquerone cheese and pickled red onion. Pasta appears in seasonal rotation, such as Ziti Genovese with slow-cooked onion ragù. For dessert, a house tiramisù and a lavender doughnut filled with Amalfi lemon custard offer a note of comfort with flair.
The bar pours spicy margaritas, Negronis and gin fizzes alongside local beers on tap from Five Points and a custom Elephant-branded Grolsch. Coffee is supplied by Climpson & Sons, and the list of natural wines and aperitifs is short but well judged.
There’s a genuine sense of welcome from the team, whether explaining a new pizza topping or suggesting a drink pairing with easy charm. Regulars are quickly recognised, but newcomers receive the same warmth.
Elephant Hackney combines a confident southern Italian kitchen with a lively neighbourhood soul. It feels generous, familiar and fun, a restaurant where food and hospitality are delivered with equal care and a touch of cinematic flair.