ACE Pizza Victoria Park

"ACE Pizza, Victoria Park ACE Pizza has opened its first standalone spot in Victoria Park (having started in the kitchen at The Pembury Tavern, where their cult slices are still on the menu), and it’s already clear the Hackney-born favourite has grown up without losing its edge. Their “London style” slice blends Neapolitan char with New York foldability, ideal for a one-hand slice, one-hand pint equation. The menu is broad enough to keep everyone happy (including vegans, with an impressive plant-based selection). We began with giardiniera pickles and fried artichokes (sharp, salty, gone in minutes) and the delicious Hot AF margaritas from their “low and no alcohol” drinks list. Their most popular Honey Pie is a thing of beauty: fior di latte, salami, guindilla chillies, a drizzle of chilli honey; and looks unlike other hot honey pizzas in the city. The vegan Capers on Mare Street refuses any lazy tropes, layering Nocellara olives, capers, plant-based mozzarella from Casadei and chimichurri into a knockout combination. The limited edition Clam Pie, featuring clams, pecorino and lemons is a bright, briny treat. Inside, it’s an 80s disco diner remembered through bright reds and soft yellows, chestnut panelling and plush booth seating. We chose to sit outside, taking in the very last of the summer sun and letting the neighbourhood drift by. If you’ve got room after, order the Grown Up Sundae, made up of fior di latte soft serve, olive oil, sea salt, fennel pollen and honey. And then? Walk it all off through Victoria Park, amble towards V&A East, and make a day of it. Preshita Saha"