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This is not a drill, ‘za heads. Chef Tom Budakan, formerly of Dough Hands (once named one of Time Out’s best pizzas in the world), has opened a pizza kitchen at the Old Queen’s Head in Islington.
Hot Saint Pizza launched at the pub on Essex Road on Monday, February 16. Gone are the days of sloppy Neapolitan pies being at every single boozer in the capital, because Budakan is slinging New York-style pizza at the north London joint.
What will make these pizzas so special? Budakan’s specially developed base uses a high-protein Canadian flour for structure along with a small amount of rye, resulting in a slightly nutty flavour and the perfect NY-style chew. The dough is then fermented for a minimum of 48 hours ensuring a super light, but crisp crust.
As for the toppings, Hot Saint will serve classics as well as new takes like the Spicy Hawaiian: San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, guanciale and smoked ham hock, pineapple, smoked chilli and jalapeños; the Meatball Ricotta: San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, house meatballs, ricotta and parmesan; and the Vodka Pesto: vodka sauce, stracciatella, pesto and parmesan.
The Old Queen’s Head will also be serving pizza sandwiches, with fillings including spicy chicken parm and meatballs. For pud, they will have a trendy-sounding banana miso soft serve.
Budakan said: ‘I never imagined I’d leave a job I truly loved at Dough Hands, but the opportunity to lead the kitchen at The Old Queens Head was simply too good to turn down. I’ve spent countless hours there over the years DJing, so returning in this new role feels special. I’m really excited to be back.’
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