A beautiful Victorian pub reborn, Elephant Hackney opens this month with a fresh focus on Southern Italian food, a serious drinks offering, and a richly layered design aesthetic that pays tribute to East London’s cinematic past. Led by Stevie Thomas, co-founder of The Rum Kitchen and managing director of The Jam House in Birmingham (founded by Jools Holland) and Chef Francesco Sarvonio (ex-Manteca), Elephant blends bold hospitality experience with contemporary Italian flair.

Located just off Mare Street, Elephant brings soul, flavour and community to Clapton Road. The pub’s crown jewel is a 25-year-old skylight salvaged from a former East End cinema, casting natural light over a dining room filled with David Shrigley prints, vintage Italian film posters, and a nostalgic Disney Dumbo piece. Setting the tone for a venue that blends heritage with playful irreverence.

In the kitchen, Chef Francesco Sarvonio delivers food that speaks of time and place, grounded in regional Italian traditions and British seasonal produce. Visitors can expect to be treated to dishes like Frittatina with peas and basil, Ox cheek croquettes with anchovy mayo, and rotating specials such as Ziti Genovese Ragù and Daily White Pizzas. Starters including Buffalo mozzarella with tomato carpaccio and Fried courgette flowers with spicy honey aioli offer bright, summery comfort.

Neopolitan Pizza takes centre stage, with elevated takes on the classics: Elephant Marinara with caper leaves & confit garlic, the subtly rebellious Margherita Sbagliata, and the indulgent La Squisita with pancetta Giovanna & squacquerone. Decidant desserts include a crowd-pleasing House Tiramisu, Hackney Gelato, and a standout Fried Lavender Donut with Amalfi Lemon Custard.

The cocktail menu hits all the right notes, from Climpson & Sons Espresso Martini, brewed on a La Marzocco Linea PB machine, and Spicy Margaritas to a classic Gin Fizz or Negroni. Beers include a custom ELEPHANT WALK Grolsch, a tap of Peroni (via Asahi), local brews from Five Points. Filtered water is supplied by sustainable partner BELU.

Elephant’s design is as expressive as its food. A gallery-like setting of Shrigley humour and Italian nostalgia, anchored by the restored cinema skylight and softened by vintage light fixtures, as well as a family-friendly kids eat free policy, makes it an ideal hangout from lunch through late-night. Whether dropping in for a pint, staying for pasta, or making a night of it with friends, or treating the kids, Elephant is providing a vibrant backdrop for East Londoners.

Opening 9th of July
43 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NS