12-14 St John Street,
Clerkenwell,
London,
EC1M 4AY
0871 971 4978
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The Italians are running a slick operation in the heart of the business district.
The Venue
With a flawless black, white and red decor, high dark leather stools and low dark wood tables, the overall feel of this essentially small space is bright and open. Slightly less so, however, when the lunchtime rush is on and the queue extends onto the pavement and snakes around the interior.
The Atmosphere
Their slogan is met with gusto though – slow food, fast and fresh. This promise draws those customers a cut above the surrounding sandwich chains. The beautiful till team translate your order between each other and pass the baton onto the deli counter; serving up in seconds.
The Food
Choose from a simple menu of traditional flatbread (piada) from the Emilia-Romagna region, numbered zero to seidici and freshly made to order - crisp, light pockets filled to perfection, all including a healthy handful of rocket. There’s a spoilt for choice range of meats - speck, bresoala, salame milanese and cheese – fontina, stracchino and mozzarella, and also three (if you include the Nutella filling) vegetarian numbers. Prices range from about £4 to £5 each.
Another less obviously Italian option is Numero Sette, smoked salmon and cream cheese, which is well balanced in ratio to its warm grilled piada jacket. Generous bowls of soup are a satisfying alternative, with a melting pool of parmesan and portion of piada on the side so you won’t miss out. A dense, clean-cut square of brownie or tiny cupcake seals the deal nicely.
The Drink
The gleaming classic coffee machine is a beacon which can’t be ignored. Again, Piada sets itself apart from the chains with four rather than forty offerings, following their unspoken keep it simple mantra. An impeccably frothed espresso macchiato keeps the suits powered through the afternoon, with tea, hot chocolate or a chilled soft drink for those less in need of a caffeine hit.
The Last Word
This is one sharp, sophisticated lunchtime pit stop.
Piada has been reviewed by 2 users