Little Earthquakes is a nostalgic yet elevated pizza concept housed within the Railway Tavern in Stoke Newington. Created by chef Neil Rankin, best known for his work at Temper, the residency reimagines deep-dish pizza with a distinct London character. Inspired by the supermarket frozen pizzas of his childhood, most notably the Chicago Town range, Rankin’s vision fuses comfort food with high-quality ingredients and creative flair.
The pizzas themselves are small in size but big on flavour. Each six-inch pie is made with slow-proofed dough using Wildfarmed regenerative flour, resulting in a base that is crisp on the outside and airy inside. The standout feature is the 360-degree cheese crust, which forms a bubbling, golden ring around each pizza. Toppings vary but are built on combinations of British and Italian ingredients sourced from nearby Newington Green suppliers.
Signature options include taleggio with guanciale, slow-cooked salami ragù with rosemary, and a standout plant-based 'nduja made from fermented tomatoes and pickled chillies. The menu also includes indulgent dips such as honey and garlic butter or chilli crunch marinara, which bring extra depth to each bite. Portions are hearty, but the smaller format allows guests to mix and match or share among the table.
The Railway Tavern itself makes for an ideal backdrop. It’s a classic neighbourhood pub with a welcoming, relaxed feel that balances character with comfort. The residency fits naturally into the space, attracting both locals and food lovers from further afield who are curious about Rankin’s latest project.
Little Earthquakes delivers a rare mix of playfulness and precision. It taps into nostalgia while offering something entirely new. This is deep-dish pizza redefined: indulgent, carefully made and full of personality, served in a setting that invites you to sit back, tuck in, and enjoy the moment.