Elephant Hackney brings southern Italian cuisine and cinematic flair to restored Victorian pub

A new addition to East London’s dining scene, Elephant Hackney will open its doors on 9^th July at 43 Lower Clapton Road, bringing southern Italian food and Neapolitan pizzas to a restored Victorian pub just off Mare Street. The venue is the brainchild of hospitality veteran Stevie Thomas – co-founder of The Rum Kitchen and managing director at The Jam House in Birmingham – and chef Francesco Sarvonio, formerly of Manteca. The launch aims to blend regional Italian cooking with distinctive design that references the area’s cinematic heritage.

The pub’s interior features a 25-year-old skylight salvaged from a former East End cinema, providing natural light to a dining room decorated with David Shrigley prints, vintage Italian film posters and a Disney Dumbo artwork. According to the team, this aesthetic approach is intended to “blend heritage with playful irreverence”, creating a space that is both rooted in local history and welcoming to a broad clientele.

Chef Francesco Sarvonio’s menu focuses on southern Italian dishes, using British seasonal produce. Diners can expect offerings such as Frittatina with Peas and Basil, Ox Cheek Croquettes with Anchovy Mayonnaise and rotating specials like Ziti Genovese Ragù and daily white pizzas. Starters include Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomato Carpaccio and Fried Courgette Flowers with Spicy Honey Aioli. Neapolitan pizzas form the centrepiece of the menu, with variations including Elephant Marinara (with caper leaves and confit garlic), Margherita Sbagliata and La Squisita (with pancetta Giovanna and squacquerone soft cheese). Desserts range from house tiramisu and Hackney Gelato to a fried lavender donut with Amalfi lemon custard. The drinks menu features cocktails such as a Climpson & Sons espresso martini, spicy margaritas, gin fizz and negroni, with beer options including a custom Elephant Walk Grolsch, Peroni and local brews from Five Points.

The venue will open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to midnight, and Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to midnight, with a family-friendly policy is in place that allows children to dine for free. The team behind Elephant Hackney describes it as “a vibrant backdrop for East Londoners”, offering a space suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual drinks to family meals.

Food Desk

To book a table at Elephant Hackney, 43 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0NS, call 020 3154 9330 or visit the restaurant’s website here.