Join Tyla as he tours the neighbourhood in search of hidden gems, sampling Coffee, Pizza and Cannoli in this guide to a deeper exploration of things to do in London.

Little Italy is relatively unknown, even to those who call London their home. In this article, you will find the true soul of Italian culture that made this area of the city buzz with life and find out the past and present of London’s lost enclave. Thousands of migrants once lived here and although the number has dwindled, an Italian community still exists to this day.

The old Italian quarter of London borders the streets of Clerkenwell Road, Farringdon Road, and Roseberry Avenue in the borough of Holborn. To enter this mysterious part of London it is best to get a tube on the Elizabeth line to Farringdon station. From there it is a short 15 minute walk to Clerkenwell road where you will discover the centre of the old Little Italy.

St Peters Catholic Church – Little Italy’s Hidden Gem

St Peters Catholic Church – Little Italy, London

The journey starts at the focal point of Italian community, the Catholic Church, St Peter’s Italian Catholic Church to be exact. It is a towering example of the Roman Basilica style of architecture and the very first built in the United Kingdom. Walking up its steps is like entering the middle of Rome. As you pass through the entrance it is initially shocking the sheer size of the interior.

Colourful oil paintings and frescoes surround you from every angle and the grand décor of golds, blues and reds takes you aback when venturing inside. It’s well worth a visit and accessible at the weekends, even during mass and sermons. It is deeply relaxing to walk the corridors, it’s a haven of solitude that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape outside its doors.

In 1880, however, the story would be completely different. An Italian road layer entered the church and fired three shots at Father James Bakanowski. One bullet hit the altar and the other two narrowly missed its intended target. The motive has remained a mystery, but the tale adds intrigue to an already awe-inspiring building.

Inside of St Peters Catholic Church – Little Italy, London

The priest, actually Polish, not Italian, came from the Polish Catholic community of London. Without a church of their own, they joined the established Italian congregation for worship. It shows how immigration has always been the lifeblood of the London, with each new generation reinventing and redefining the capital.

If you happen to be in the area on July 16th, it’s an excellent opportunity to catch a rather unknown Catholic festivital. The annual Lady of Mount Carmel festival has existed since 1896 on the streets of Clerkenwell, with a large street party and procession lining Little Italy.

Website: www.italianchurch.org.uk
Address: St Peter’s Italian Catholic Church, 136 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5DL
Phone: +44 (0)20 7837 1528
Instagram: N/A

Terronis of Clerkenwell Road – Finding the Real Italian Espresso

Terronis of Clerkenwell Road – Little Italy, London

You leave feeling invigorated to find out more about this community, and what better way to do it than enjoy an espresso from the oldest running Italian delicatessen (established 1907). It’s only two doors down from the church so you won’t have to wait long to fill your boots. Terronis of Clerkenwell Road offers a traditional selection of high quality pasta, sauces, vino, Negroni and most importantly ice cream.

The place looks the part, but how does it hold up for an Italian? I met up with my former colleague Valentina Pucciano, who writes for One Planet Journey, to find out if it’s the real deal. First, we started with coffee. When in Rome, an espresso is the only choice. I asked Valentina how a real Italian coffee should taste.

“For me, the coffee must have an aroma that is intense. It can’t be acidic and the flavours have to be balanced. The roasting stage of the beans is super important and after that, the grinding is crucial for the quality.”

Cannolis at Terronis of Clerkenwell Road – Little Italy, London

So how does Terronis stack up? Valentina gave it a jubilant thumbs up. If only the same could be said about the cannoli…

With my untrained English eyes, they looked amazing. A multitude of colour and healthy portion sizes enticed my ravenous stomach. I expected Valentina to show the same excitement. Instead, she shook her head.

“To be honest, these are not good Cannolis. You can tell because they are too big, they should be smaller and thinner.”

I felt disappointed but I was excited, anticipating more Italian treats further up the road.

Website: www.terroni.co.uk/
Address: Terronis of Clerkenwell, 138 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5DL
Phone:  020 7837 1712
Instagram: N/A

Santore Italiano – The Best Pizza in London’s Little Italy

Santore Italiano – Little Italy, London

I opted for a personal favourite of mine, anchovies, and olives on a nice thick Southern Italian base (they also serve northern thinner Blanco pizzas). The crust was thick and easy to digest just like Valentina had said. I think on balance my favourite pizzas are the thinner Northern ones but Santore is certainly well worth a visit. Valentina also said the food was tasty, which for an Italian is high praise indeed.

Website: www.santorerestaurant.com/
Address: Santore Italian Pizzeria 59-61 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL
Phone: 020 7812 1488
Instagram: N/A

Macellaio – The place to get the best Italian Meat

Macellaio – Little Italy, London

After the pizza I had little room for anything else or I would have definitely tried Macellaio, a very renowned butcher and steak house which serves authentic Italian meat. Luckily, Valentina has been here a number of times and vouched that the quality of the meat was exceptional.

She did however mention that the expensive prices mean this isn’t a weekly trip but well worth going on special occasions. Delights on the menu include Beef escalope with fresh orange and lemon zest, Chicken Milanese with marinated cherry tomatoes and Homemade Gnocchi.

Website: www.macellaiorc.com
Address: Macellaio, 38-40 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL
Phone: 020 3696 8220
Instagram: N/A

Little Italy – An Example of London’s Depth

Visiting Little Italy is a wonderful experience. The food, culture and history combined make this trip one to remember. If you are on the lookout for the unique when it comes to travel and it doesn’t come much better than this. The community that exists today isn’t what it used to be, but there is still much to see of this original Italian home.

The church has to be the highlight of the visit. From the outside, while it does look grand and opulent, it seemed like a small parish church. However when you step inside you are taken aback at the sheer scale of the building, and the lavish interiors. If you are looking for something different to do in London, look no further than the capital’s old historic Little Italy.