I've lived in Marylebone for 14 years. On so many levels, she's an island with everything anyone could ever want. But despite the qualities of this ancient parish cum metropolitan borough (merging with Westminster and Paddington in 1965), most of the entitled, coutured, botoxed residents wander the streets with a frown. To attend the farmer's market on Sunday is a smash course in "money most definitely can't buy happiness."
I've long longed for something human in the hood. Connection. So, when several Italian friends whose Italian-run pubs I've visited in other boroughs suggested that they come to Marylebone, I couldn't imagine what could possibly be enjoyable for them in the Bone, but took on the challenge. A quick google flyover drew my attention to the "best pizza in London" only a few blocks from our home... a pub known as 1888. The google-mentioned "hearty English fare" is in fact delicious pizza and pasta... Manager Enzo makes sure of this -- and he's not the kind of guy one wants to displease. His sangue napoletano assures that the food is delicious, the service is kind and the guests are safe... and not a bunch of hedge-fundy nobs. Enter this pub with ill intentions at your own risk. I've seen it -- don't do it. My first visit, my Italian friends in tow, was a smashing success -- they loved it... and so did I. The entire crew knows your name and chosen drink by your second visit. It's like CHEERS with Tony Soprano at the helm. I've now been a faithful enthusiast for over 3 years -- lunch, dinner, drinks, birthdays, wakes... always a celebration. I am forever grateful. My favourites: Lunch -- Insalata Caprese. Dinner -- Pizza Carbonara.
1888 is an oasis where kindness, decency, a sense of community and colourful regulars reign alongside great food and Victorian splendour. It is rare, dare I say impossible in this ever darkening, fragmented world, to offer something so meaningful, something never on the menu, let alone in the zeitgeist... hope.
Enzo, Gabriele, Colin, Jean Marc, Sandro, John, Maria, Uma and Teresa... ... grazie mille. read more