Spianata & Co: the Roman bakery comes to Mayfair

Rome’s most popular lunchtime choice, the Spianata sandwich, has arrived in London’s Mayfair. An essential part of Roman life, this traditional flat bread known as Spianata or its local name pizza bianca romana is being offered to lunchtimers at its bakery and paninoteca store located on Hay Hill, Berkeley Square.

The company was originally set up by Nicolai, an Italian investment banker working in London.  He has stayed true to his traditional roots and taste buds for Rome where he grew up, having learnt how to bake traditionally off the master bakers of Rome. 

He strives to offer a delicious alternative to what he calls “plasticky, tasteless sandwiches, always too cold to enjoy”, which are Spianatas filled with Italian-inspired ingredients, out of the ordinary and sandwiched in freshly baked bread. 

The sleek, modern Mayfair shop that seats 30 people is already buzzing by noon with workers in the district opting for something different; the Spianata sandwiches are lined up against a cold lit ceramic wall designed by an Italian architect, with colours of the Italian flag. They are kept at room temperature, as in Italy, to recapture the freshly baked taste. 

The bread is baked every morning up until 11am when they are transported over to their branches just before breakfast or lunch. This light, golden crust and airy bread is so distinctive, baked flat and is typically two metres long!  None is left to waste, as small pots of leftovers are propped on tables with oils for dipping, so people can still enjoy.

The most popular filling in Rome is the authentic cured sausage, Mortadella di Bologna, offered here, as well as freshly sliced cured meats, sun blush tomatoes, artichoke hearts and regional cheeses. Showing that there is more to life than ham and cheese, Spianata aims to educate customers with their unique flavours; others include the classic Italian blue cheese Gorgonzola, Speck and Pear, Caprese, Bresaola, Rocket & Parmesan and Cacciatora Chicken.

Keep an eye out for their monthly specials and even their healthier multi seed sandwich range. Other options on the menu are soups, pastas, lasagnes, in-house baked ciambellotto  (a typical Italian cake made “with a hole”), plus homemade desserts, including the ever popular tiramisu, top quality coffees and Italian drinks.

Here at Spianata you will find authentic classics that have stood the test of time and are as genuine as you might find in Rome or Milan.

Selina Periampillai

To enjoy a wonderful Spianata, you can find the shop at 3 Hay Hill, Berkeley Square, Mayfair. Opening times are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm.