Joe Public, Clapham – tried and tasted

Who doesn’t want a slice of pizza from a public loo?
Down the pan: Joe Public occupies a former public toilet in Clapham
Ben Norum4 April 2016

With space in London very much in demand, there’s barely a nook or cranny left unused that’s not being overhauled and repurposed.

The latest space to get that treatment is a former public loo right next to Clapham Common station, being transformed into a pizza restaurant complete with a by-the-slice grab-and-go hatch.

It comes from Jayke Mangion and Andy Bell, who have previous with this sort of thing. As well as running a trio of Brickwood Coffee & Bread cafés across south west London, they also founded wine bar WC next door, also in a former convenience.

Style and surrounds

The space is small but well-styled, with most eating taking place at the lengthy counter area where you can also watch your pizzas being tossed, rolled and topped. The walls are clad in off-white tiles, presumably the same ones from when it was a toilet.

The slice is right: Order either whole or by-the-slice

On the menu

It’s all about the pizzas, either whole or by-the-slice, to eat in or take away. That’s Californian-style pizza, to be precise. This means you can expect thin Italian-style bases and crusts, but more adventurous toppings — the kind we imagine some Italians might turn their noses up at.

The highlight on our visit was a lamb shank, purple potato, feta, mint and coriander yoghurt pizza, with a sweet potato base in place of the usual tomato. It’s meaty, satisfying and just a touch exotic, but doesn’t feel too outrageous either.

A sausage, bacon, ground beef, pepperoni and caramelised onion variety was what Domino’s would call a Mighty Meaty — and, to be honest, is pretty similar — but the thin, slightly chewy base makes sure the ante is upped.

For another slightly more refined take on a comfort classic, try the option topped with ham hock, pineapple, mushrooms and parsley along with an olive tapenade base.

The best pizza in London

1/14

Liquid libations

Wine comes on tap, with one each dedicated to red and white — the Portuguese red is deliciously rich and smooth — while there’s also an own-label pale ale by the can, and a selection of whiskies. In the mornings there’s coffee, perfectly placed to be picked up en route to the Tube.

Joe Public: The Lowdown

Final flavour: Playfully-topped pizzas in a convenient location.

At what cost? Slices range from £3.50-4.50.

Visit if you like: Pizza Union, Vooddoo Ray's, Homeslice.

Find it: The Pavement (right next to Clapham Common Tube), SW4 7AA; joepublicpizza.com.

Follow Ben Norum on Twitter @BenNorum

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