Review of 'Pizza Pilgrims Gino's East Takeover'

https://checkout.timeout.com/london/a-pizza-party-at-pizza-pilgrims-ft-ginos-east-56861/

When I heard that the legendary Gino's East pizza chain was visiting London I just had to go to sample their wonderful deep-dish pizza again. I have had their pizza before when I ordered delivery from them during a visit to Chicago in 2000 (see here) and was amazed at the richness of the sauce and almost pie-like crust.

Their residency was only for one weekend at the London chain Pizza Pilgrims' (see here for my review of them) Canary Wharf location with ticketed entry only - £25 for all you can eat pizza, a (Goose Island) beer and a Crosstown doughnut. They set up their pizza oven in front of the restaurant and giving out “We Roll Deep” t-shirts to those attending.

The event was held in the basement “entertainment room” (with board games and video games) where pizzas would be brought in about 10 at a time with only, slightly disappointingly, two flavours on offer: Vegetarian and meat. Servers brought pizza slices to our tables as soon as it was finished though there was often a bit of a wait for new pizzas to arrive. The thick, juicy pizza was absolutely delicious with a flaky, almost buttery crust. Do not be confused by deep-dish pizza found outside of Chicago - This was not a bread-like crust, the thickness was of the sauce, cheese and toppings on top of a thin, crispy base.

Yes, we did manage to eat quite a few pieces and was able to justify the price we paid…I can eat a lot of pizza but not so much deep-dish.

The Crosstown doughnut included in the meal, unfortunately, had alcohol in it (I do not drink) but I was offered a non-alcoholic, but not as interesting, plain version. My companion tried a light version of the beer which she said was “OK” (she is not a big drinker).

A wonderful taste of true Chicago-style pizza. Here's hoping they return to London, perhaps permanently? Delicious and, frankly, so much more interesting than what we traditionally see as pizza outside of Chicago. Yeah, it might not be authentic Italian but my stomach doesn't care, it is happy.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2018-07-01

Location: London (England)

Address: 12 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AE ENGLAND

Public Transport: Canary Wharf West India Quay Westferry

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3019 8020

URL: https://www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk/venues/west-india-quay/

The Canary Wharf branch of the former-streetfood chain “Pizza Pilgrims” is quite large and has an entertainment room in the basement and a large outdoor space on the cobbles in front.