Slice by Pizza Pilgrims

After more than months of no international travel, the notion that we could visit a New-York-style pizza joint on our doorstep in North London felt thrilling. Pizza Pilgrim’s new Slice concept promises Naples pizza meets American-style slice joint where your pizza is served (unsurprisingly) by the slice or by the metre. Sounds promising. 

The restaurant occupies the site of a former fish and chip shop in the heart of Finsbury Park, slotted into a stretch of takeaway restaurants, and within spitting distance of the infamous Rowans, a number of pubs and the train station. The atmosphere at 7pm on a Saturday was lively; a combination of pre-gig revellers, post-match football fans, and us. 

On first impressions were that the interior felt less downtown Manhattan and more like Toy Story’s Pizza Planet meets Southend pier. There was a combination of neon signs, gingham wipe-clean tablecloths, banquette seating, and a retro diner-esque bar. There were also arcade machines (Pacman, Street Fighter and Ninja Turtles), all free to play, much to our enjoyment.

We started with the triple baked garlic crust bites with the extremely moreish garlic and herb dip and wanted the burrata with pickled peppers but, like quite a few menu items, it disappointingly wasn't available. Next up was a buffet of slices; we ordered by the slice, advised by the incredibly friendly staff that a metre for two people would be going overboard (later seeing it hang off a neighbouring table confirmed they were right). 

The Margherita (the classic), Hawaii Not? AKA The Converter (honey glazed pineapple and nduja sausage), Double Pepperoni and Chilli Honey (as it says on the tin), and the Special Slice (Penne Alla Vodka on top of a Margherita). Overall the flavours were good but the style steers away from the much-loved usual Pizza Pilgrims pillowy sourdough base to this thinner, crispy Napoli style. Although the crusts were tasty when dipped in the five dips provided - Garlic & Herb, Nduja, Jalapeno, White Truffle and Caesar. 

Washed down with an Aperol Spritz Slushy (Aperol, Prosecco, orange and soda frozen down to ice) and a Bellinitini (Porn Star Martini meets Bellini in slushy form served with a shot of Prosecco), which had all the nostalgia factor of the leisure centre Slush Puppie but without the blue tongue. They even came with a tiny umbrella. Despite being very full we couldn’t leave without the bitesize cookie dough cannoli - a tasty morsel but you’ll want one to yourself.

Overall, Slice isn’t somewhere youu would take your mum for a nice dinner, but you can see the gap in the market Pizza Pilgrims is filling; if you want a quick, convenient and casual bite in somewhere that doesn’t take itself too seriously, then you’re in luck. 

Any Italian food fan in London will no doubt have heard of Pizza Pilgrims with their affordable yet artisan pies triggering queues across the capital. The brand also kept themselves busy during lockdown when they launched an at-home meal kit, which proved perennially popular and transcended the pandemic into becoming a permanent fixture.

Now, with Slice, the brand has developed a whole new concept to entice the capital’s foodie crowd, and it’s based on the slice bars and dive bars of New York City. Here, in a 50-cover space in London’s Finsbury Park, you’ll find signature serves like the Pizza Al Metro – a long rectangular pizza that can be served whole or transformed into supersize triangle slices if you prefer. This USP pays homage to Naplese families who tuck into this special creation come high days and holidays, thanks to it being the perfect size and shape to share with friends and family.

Toppings include a classic Margherita (tomato, cheese and basil) or a revamped version of the chain’s famous Hawaiian Not which combines honey glazed pineapple with ‘nduja and jalapenos. Elsewhere there’s a metre long grissini with Parma ham and pesto, as well as a Penne Alla vodka Slice: a dish made with pasta.

Entertainment wise there are also 80s arcade games like Pac Man and Street Fighter which guests are encouraged to have a go at. The best bit about playing along is that high scorers are rewarded in pizza slices. A prize we wish was more commonplace now we think about it.

Drinks have also been given a celebratory spin, with cans of Amalfi lemon and peach iced tea slushies on offer (served either with or without alcohol, depending on preference) alongside an extensive beer and wine list. Vegan, halal and gluten-free options are all available too.

Interestingly, staff here aren’t confined to one area. Instead, everyone who works at Slice does shifts on the floor and in the kitchen so that there’s a fluidity of movement throughout and an in depth knowledge of the business from every party.