Ahh, my beloved Old Compton Street. Home to Bar Swift aka my favourite watering hole in London, the Italian-inspired Bar Termini and super sexy La Bodega Negra. I could probably spend a whole day on this one street… as long as that day ends with an oozy custard bun from Bun House.
But now there’s a new kid on the block, as Soho House has brought a slice of Cecconi’s, in the form of a pared-back pizza bar. With sister site Cafe Boheme providing late-night nibbles next door, it looks like the members’ club is onto a winner here, so I went down to check it out.
Drinks are impressive. Tangy Saffron High Balls and punchy Coconut Old Pal’s made with Woodford Reserve, Campari and Cocchi Rosa were so tasty that we ordered them all over again. If that doesn’t do it for you, then there’s Negronis on tap and Italian beers like Peroni Ambra.
Continuing the contemporary Italian charm, the food focuses on chichetti and large plates. An oily portion of zucchini fritti was redeemed by creamy burrata and spaghetti topped with tonnes of seafood. I loved the spicy salami pizzette although there was no ‘spice’ to be found.
The only downside to Cecconi’s was the lacklustre service. I had to ask for absolutely everything; from drinks, to cutlery and even menus. This continued through to dessert and was less than impressive. Luckily the dishes, drinks and DJ (yes, that’s right) spinning tunes in the background made up for all that.
What we ate:
- Zucchini fritti with lemon aioli (£4)
- Burrata topped with figs and a hazelnut balsamic dressing (£8)
- Crab linguine (£13)
- Spicy salami pizzette (£7 or £11 for full pizza)
- Tiramisu (£5)
What we drank:
- Saffron Highball (£8) x2
- Coconut Old Pal (£8) x2
- Red Pepper Sbagliato (£8)
- Peroni Ambra (£4.80)
Dinner in pictures:
You’ll find Cecconi’s Pizza Bar at 19-21, Old Compton Street London W1D 5JJ.
London Girl ✖️
London Girl Munches 