On 1 December, after 31 glorious years, Eco will officially move into its new home
on pedestrianised Venn Street in the heart of Clapham Old Town. To mark this
momentous occasion, the legendary family-run, multi award-winning pizzeria has
announced a week-long soft launch from 25 November during which period it will
be offering 25% off all its food.
The 2024 incarnation of Eco will be bigger, with additional indoor and al fresco
seating. However, those stepping over the threshold will immediately experience a
sense of the familiar.
Owner Sami Wasif has worked with his architects and designers to repurpose as
many original features as possible, from raw materials through to the pendant
lighting and tables. What cannot be salvaged has been recreated to ensure that
the inimitable atmosphere that so entranced all who visited over the decades is not
only unchanged but enhanced.
Sure to become a talking point is some amazing new artwork, including specially
commissioned drawings by the brilliant illustrator and artist Paul Davis together
with paintings and photographs of Sami’s family, Eco’s historical and geographical
roots and a playful nod to the 14th century monastic themes from The Name of the
Rose. It was the latter which gave the restaurant its name as Umberto Eco’s
novel-turned-film was playing at the Clapham Picture House back in the autumn of
1993 when Eco first opened!
From 25 November, diners will also be able to see how one of the hallmarks of
Eco over the last three decades – its amazing value for money given the quality of
both the food and setting – remains unchanged.
Another constant will be the quality of the food. Sami was among the first to bring
authentic sourdough pizzas to the UK, and the new kitchen will still be using the
same authentic recipe he first witnessed over half a century ago in his native
Egypt.
Also on offer will be an array of starters, homemade pastas and risottos. Set to
sate even the heartiest of appetites meanwhile will be a breakfast offering, served
at weekends from 9am, that will beautifully complement Clapham’s award-winning
fine food market that takes place in Venn Street every Saturday.
Eco, 73 Venn Street
www.ecorestaurants.com