Our Story
Since 1985, we’ve been dedicated to creating genuine Italian pizzas with a profound passion.
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'VelvetPineCorner had a humble goal: to introduce true Neapolitan pizza to London. The Romano family, which founded our pizza shop in 1985, began as a quaint, family-oriented venture that continued long-cherished recipes.
Marco Romano, our pioneer, perfected her pizza making skills during her time in Italy, learning from renowned pizzaiolos in Naples, where pizza originated. She returned to the UK with a mission to replicate the enchantment of authentic Italian pizza, staying true to time-honored techniques and selecting only the finest ingredients.
Our small 12-seat pizza place has evolved into a cherished community fixture, yet our dedication to excellence and veracity has remained constant. We continue traditional wood-fired oven baking, prepare our dough daily from scratch, and obtain only top-tier ingredients.
Today, 'VelvetPineCorner is still in the hands of the Romano family, with a new generation at the helm supported by a devoted crew. Despite adopting modern updates, our core mission of forging delectable, true pizza that unites people abides.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
We’re committed to freshness and quality in our ingredients, sourcing from both local growers and specialist Italian suppliers to ensure a genuine taste.
Traditional Methods
Our pizza-making sticks to cherished traditions, including a fermentation period for our dough lasting 48 hours and baking in genuine wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
We aim to be a cornerstone of our community, not just a dining spot, by contributing to local causes and creating an inviting space for everyone.
Sustainability
Our dedication to the environment reflects in our practices, from minimizing food waste and using recyclable materials to supporting sustainable farming.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated team members responsible for our flavorful pizzas
Marco Romano
Owner & Head Chef
A second-generation owner with over 15 years of recipe refinement, trained in the heart of Naples.
Alexa Torres
Executive Chef
An Italian-trained chef with a 12-year tenure in culinary arts, Alexa is known for her innovative seasonal dishes.
Luca Bianchi
Master Pizzaiolo
A Naples native, Luca has spent over two decades perfecting the art of pizza and imparts his knowledge to our pizza chefs.
Emma Brown
Restaurant Manager
Emma ensures every diner’s visit is remarkable while leading our service team with effectiveness and care.
Jason Wong
Sommelier & Beverage Director
Jason expertly curates our selection of non-alcoholic beverages, specializing in Italian refreshments that complement our pizza.
What Our Customers Say
This is the closest to authentic Neapolitan pizza I’ve enjoyed outside Italy. The crust has just the right amount of chewiness and those distinct charred spots you can only get from a wood-fired oven.
Edward Bennett
I greatly value 'VelvetPineCorner's use of local products and their commitment to sustainable practices. The quality is apparent in each slice. Their seasonal creations are always highly anticipated!
Rebecca Evans
I’ve been a patron for many years, and the caliber always stays top-notch. The staff make you feel like family, and the pizza is divine — the Truffle Mushroom is a must-try!
Christopher Davis
Awards & Recognition
Preeminent Pizzeria in Karlport
Local Gastronomy Awards, 2019-2022
Top 50 Pizza Joints across the UK
British Restaurant Gazette, 2020-2022
Certified Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, 2017
Award for Eco-Friendly Business Operations
Regional Eco Business Federation, 2021
Come Visit Us
Immerse yourself in the flavors of real Italian pizza in our cozy and inviting setting.