Pizza Union, London

Jordan: I had heard great things about Pizza Union from Shu so this place was next on my list to visit. We went around lunch time on a Saturday day night and it was absolutely packed deserted?! There was only one family tucked in the corner and then us, result! I really liked the laid back vibe this place gave off, it was decorated like Urban Outfitters (yes I have been dragged in there many times) with it's bare walls, neon signs and suspended lighting.

Shu: Don't mind me, I was just running around the restaurant snapping away with my new camera. The staff pretended that they didn't care but I see the little cheeky smiles and the sneaky flex of their muscles when they were making our pizza base ;)

Pizza Union serve 12" thin based pizza baked in a HUUUGE stone oven. We were mesmerised by the roaring fire and didn't have to wait long for our creations to come to life (and into our tum)

Fancy nibbling on some nuts whilst you wait in the queue? Voila! They'd be great starters and the pastries don't look half bad for an after pizza treat... Focus, Shu. Keep your eye and stomach on the prize: the pizza.

Jordan: There is quite a variety of pizzas to choose from but my mind was firmly set on the one with lots of meat, chilli peppers and the coolest sounding name: Vesuvio. Boy this did not disappoint! The doughy base was married to that tomato sauce with just enough cheese to balance it out. It had that initial crunch which was met with creamy, rich and spicy flavours that left you salivating for more.

Shu: You can bet that if there's a chilli option, I'll be getting it. 

Manzo: tomato sauce, mozzarella, beef, garlic, green chillies and rocket drizzled with chilli oil and extra chilli flakes. Just look at that beauty below, I was ready for a spice party in my mouth. 

Whilst Jordan's pepperoni is a classic, the minced beef worked better with the other flavours in my pizza. The ingredients didn't attempt to overpower each other and it simply worked. The green chillis gave it a kick and the rocket leaves left a peppery aftertaste. 

The stone oven gave the thin base a crisp smokiness - it wasn't weighed down by the ingredients either!

Jordan: A wood-fired oven so large it would make the witch from Hansel & Gretel jealous!

If you're after super affordable and authentic Italian pizza, we'd highly recommend Pizza Union. It's great for on the go meals or a casual lunch with friends. They even serve various flavours of gelato... we'll be back for you (and more slices of pizza goodness)