Joe Public restaurant to open in former Clapham public toilet
Located next to Clapham Common Underground Station, Joe Public pizzeria will serve up ‘monster’ 20 inch thin crust pizzas costing £28 when it opens its doors on 19 March.
‘Grab and go’ slices will also be sold priced at £3.50.
The concept is the brainchild of founders Jayke Mangion and Andy Bell, who are no strangers to converting public conveniences; in July 2014 the men opened WC Wine & Charcuterie bar – a 40 seater basement venue with an outdoor courtyard – after transforming the former Victorian Ladies toilet.
They have since expanded into the building upstairs, which housed the ex-Gentleman’s facilities, to create the 600 sq ft eating establishment.
“Both Andy and I are long-time residents of SW4, always loved the location and thought so much more could be done with the desolate loos,” Mangion said. “The council gave us the opportunity to lease the buildings over hundreds of other applicants based on our unique business plan.”
Featuring Victorian metro wall tiles and an original exposed beamed ceiling, the restaurant will seat 14 diners inside, a further 25 on the terrace and a quick-serve hatch will open out onto the Common to cater for commuters in a hurry.
Craft beer and wine will be sold alongside pizza topped with ingredients including fresh fig, gorgonzola, pine nuts and prosciutto, while pies will be served in boxes designed by local graphic designers and artists.
Breakfast bacon butties, priced at £3.50, will also be available.