Founder of 081 Pizzeria, pizza connoisseur and restauranteur, Andrea Asciuti – has announced the launch of Connie’s Pizza, a new Bri-talian pizza concept opening in late January, 2026 beneath the railway arches of Queen’s Road Peckham.
Named after Asciuti’s wife, Connie and inspired by his daughter Lili – born into both British and Italian culture – Connie’s is the UK’s first Bri-talian pizza concept, blending Italian mindset, technique and ingredients with British flavours, produce and culture.
Connie’s Pizza will occupy the former Smokey Kudu site beneath Queen’s Road Peckham station, secured on a five-year deal with Transport for London. The space, holding 53 covers, retains much of its existing character, combining an intimate footprint with an American-Italian, art-deco-leaning aesthetic – creating a setting designed for comfort, conviviality and repeat neighbourhood visits.
Connie’s represents a deliberate evolution from Asciuti’s Neapolitan roots, bringing Italian technical mastery to the fast-growing London-style pizza category – a space he believes has been diluted by trend-led operators and inconsistent execution.
Asciuti comments on the mission behind Connie’s Pizza: “I love that London-style pizza is finally having its moment – but moments don’t last without knowledge. London-style pizza is about crispiness, control and care. There’s a fine line between charred and burnt, crisp and dry. That line is being crossed too often in the industry. Connie’s exists because too many pizzas are being cooked without care, without understanding fermentation, baking, or balance. Crispy is not a shortcut – it’s a responsibility. Connie’s is my answer to that. It’s Bri-talian pizza done properly, with Italian technique, British flavour and zero compromise.”
