Tucked inside The Bedford Tavern in Finsbury Park, Lenny’s Apizza brings the bold, smoky flavours of New Haven-style pizza to North London. This unique style, affectionately known as “apizza” (pronounced 'ah-beetz'), hails from New Haven, Connecticut and is known for its ultra-thin, charred crust, chewy base, and no-frills approach to toppings – all of which Lenny’s delivers with serious authenticity.
The menu is a tribute to tradition. There’s the classic Tomato Pie, topped simply with crushed tomatoes, garlic and Pecorino Romano – no cheese unless you ask for it – and the Cheese & Tomato Pie, which adds mozzarella for a more familiar take. The Pepperoni Pie is a fan favourite, and the Sausage & Onion Pie, with crumbled Italian sausage and sweet red onion, is equal parts savoury and satisfying.
Lenny’s also offers inventive specials that push the boundaries while staying true to the apizza ethos. Handsome Dan’s Potato Pie pairs thinly sliced potato with mozzarella, rosemary, red onion and Pecorino Romano, with optional bacon for extra indulgence. The Ray Santiago is a meat-lover’s dream, heaving with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, red onion and hot peppers – all baked to blistered, bubbling perfection.
The vibe at The Bedford Tavern adds to the charm. It's a proper neighbourhood pub with a welcoming atmosphere, where crisp pints and proper cocktails flow alongside slices fresh from the oven. Whether you’re grabbing a casual midweek dinner, catching up with mates over a few beers, or planning a pizza-filled birthday bash, it’s a space that suits all occasions.
What sets Lenny’s apart is the dedication to doing things right. Founder Max Lewis made multiple pilgrimages to New Haven to study the art of apizza firsthand – from the coal ovens to the technique of building pies in reverse. That attention to detail shows in every bite: smoky, chewy, crisp-edged and utterly addictive.
For anyone craving a proper slice with serious character, Lenny’s Apizza delivers a little slice of East Coast heritage right here in North London – no passport required.