CLAPHAM’S FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS ON THE MOVE

After 31 eventful years on Clapham High Street, legendary family-run, multi awardwinning pizzeria, Eco, is on the move. From mid-November, its legions of fans will be descending on a brand-new restaurant located on pedestrianised Venn Street.

Just a two-minute walk from the former site, the new Eco can be found opposite the iconic Clapham Picture House. This is the venue that gave the restaurant its name, as Umberto Eco’s novel-turned-film, The Name of the Rose, was playing there back in the autumn of 1993!

The 2024 incarnation of Eco will be bigger, with additional indoor and al fresco seating. However, those stepping over the threshold will immediately experience a sense of the familiar.

Owner Sami Wasif has worked with his architects and designers to repurpose as many original features as possible, from raw materials through to the pendant lighting and tables. What cannot be salvaged has been recreated to ensure that the inimitable atmosphere that so entranced all who visited over the decades is not only unchanged but enhanced.

The “Eco Orange” will be a prominent feature of the interior design, offset by blue elements such as the four-sided central bar and leather banquettes (modelled on those found at the original Eco) together with exposed brick walls (again utilising as many reclaimed bricks as possible).

Sure to become a talking point is the amazing artwork that will adorn the walls, including specially commissioned drawings by the brilliant illustrator and artist Paul Davis whose clients have included BBC Radio 4’s The Today Programme, IBM, Mercedes and the Franco Manca brand identity. These drawings together with paintings and photographs, many set in recycled frames, focus on Sami’s family, Eco’s historical and geographical roots and a playful nod to the 14^th century monastic themes from The Name of the Rose. Particularly striking is a dramatic glass panelled structure that features incredible medieval illuminations.

Those visiting the new location for the first time will notice a few other things that are familiar, including the incredible value for money – particularly given the quality of both the food and setting – that has been a hallmark of Eco over the last 30 years.

And then of course there is the menu. Sami was among the first to bring authentic sourdough pizzas to the UK, and the new kitchen will still be using the same authentic recipe he first witnessed over half a century ago in his native Egypt. Two different flour types are combined to create a living, breathing organism that is then left to rise in two stages over a 24-hour period before being cooked at 400 degrees for around 90 seconds. The result? A full-flavoured, crispy base that is light and easy to eat. 

Topped with organic tomato sauce, sourced from Italy’s finest suppliers and chosen six months in advance, the creamiest fior di latte mozzarella, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil they are as irresistible as ever.

The menu will also offer a selection of starters, which include Italian staples such as burrata and buffalo Milano bruschetta, while the homemade pasta and risottos will sate even the heartiest of appetites. In addition, an extensive array of breakfast dishes will be served at weekends from 9am, including Eco’s unique take on the Full English – eggs, roasted vine tomatoes, smoked streaky bacon, sausage, house cannellini beans, wild mushrooms and sourdough bread – together with new twists on classic favourites such as Venison Eggs Benedict. This offering will beautifully complement Clapham’s award-winning fine food market that takes pride of place in Venn Street every Saturday.

Proud to have given its customers a totally different dining experience for over three decades, a revitalised Eco now looks forward to many more years as Clapham’s favourite eatery.