Summer may feel a long way off, but for a slice of Italian sunshine head to Hoe Street. It’s exciting times in January in the Stow with the opening of the new Lidl’s store and the Italian Bakery at Le Delice, and the imminent arrival of Gokyuzu. I went to check them out and instantly loved the Italian Bakery. It’s a magical place of warm bread and pizza smells – an amazing tiny shop at the back of Le Delice cafe on the junction of Hoe Street and Jewel Road (opposite the Rose & Crown pub). They’ve been working hard for the past few weeks, renovating, decorating and fitting 4 big pizza ovens, and thankfully they finally opened this week.

They specialise in fresh, daily baked Sardinian artisan goodies. The lovely Manola is serving up Foccacia – rosemary, or with cherry tomatoes; Pizza Al Taglio (pizza slices) with various toppings; Semolina potato bread; pistachio rolls and so much more. I went in with only £2.50 (it’s cash only at the moment) to pick up something to go with a bowl of soup for lunch. I came away with a beautiful slice of olive oil and rosemary foccacia and a new addiction to these crispy, salty crostini! (perfect beer snacks too)

In the next few weeks they’re planning to start baking Calzone al forno (folded and stuffed pizza) at the weekend for about £5. It’s a great place to pop in for a cheap snack – a slice or small pizza (hot or cold) for about £3. There’s a daily changing  range (depending on the whim of the baker apparently) of fresh bread, cakes, biscuits, rolls, and the beautiful and unusual ‘Su pani pintau’ celebration bread baskets!

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30am to 6:30pm,  Weekends – 10am to 6pm

Italian Bakery at Le Delice, 114 Hoe Street, E17 4QR. 07743 508394