StingRay Globe Bar and Pizzeria (Colombia Road) Mushroom Pizza (closed box) £5.50

When I moved to London back in 2007 I had this little one bed place on Hackney Road and fellow contributor Brett lived in the flat above me. At least once a week we would either visit or get takeaway from this pizza spot. Back then we used to call it “Best pizza in town” in fact we still do despite knowing full well it has gone down the pan. It used to be so good and cheap. But as time has gone on the place has gotten worse and worse. The reason we were eating here tonight was we needed something cheap, quick and local. We had to get to the Boiler Room for 8pm on the dot. What really gets me angry about this place though is the attitude of the staff, especially the chefs. They clearly do not favor people who request a takeaway. Arriving little after 7pm there was two tables of people. Ordering went exactly like this:

Brett: Two take away pizzas please

Staff: That will be 30min

Brett was stunned, but knew in his heart and 6 years experience they would be ready in under ten, pays and leaves to wait outside with the street beers (another reason why we were getting a takeaway)

After paying we waited 15min’s before I went in to see where we were at. What do I see? Two pizza boxes arrogantly perched on top of the oven, going cold.

Tickle: Hey, I’m waiting for two pizzas

Chef: Yeah?

Tickle: Please can I take them?

Chef: Pay then.

Tickle: We have already paid.

Tickle: Takes pizza

Taken back by the bluntness we went into the pizza with even lower expectations. Now, look at image 2, that is a thin pizza, I like a thin pizza but when a pizza is that thin and does not flop you have got issues. This slice cracked in my mouth, if I wanted cheese and crackers I’l have gone and dropped a 16 in the Royal Oak further down the road. The flavor of the cheese was bland, the cold tomato paste dominant and the mushrooms forgettable. I had to finish on a bite of Brett’s Mexican pizza just to leave with some flavor, although that was almost as bland. This will be the last time I eat here, they have really let themselves go and frankly just don’t give a shit.

Rating: 2/10

Tickle