Lenny’s brings cult New Haven apizza to Covent Garden with first permanent location
July 30, 2026
The pizzeria that built a devoted following during its residency at The Bedford Tavern is stepping into its first permanent home this Autumn, in partnership with MJMK Restaurants Lenny’s will open its first permanent site in Covent Garden this Autumn in partnership with MJMK Restaurants, the team behind Michelin-starred KOL and AngloThai, Luso and Fonda, and Casa do Frango.
Founded by Max Lewis, Lenny’s introduced London to apizza (pronounced “ah-beetz”), a style first developed by Italian immigrants in New Haven in the early 1900s. Defined by its signature crispy, chewy, charred crust, irregular slices, blistered edges and oblong shape, apizza celebrates quality ingredients, traditionally led by tomato and grated pecorino, with mozzarella treated as an optional extra rather than the main event.
Inspired by New Haven’s legendary pizza culture, Lewis made regular trips to Connecticut, visiting the city’s established pizzerias and immersing himself in the traditions that have defined the style for generations. That commitment to authenticity continues to shape every aspect of Lenny’s, from ingredients to presentation.
Popularised by Frank Pepe’s iconic pizzeria, founded in 1925, New Haven apizza has remained a defining part of Connecticut’s food culture ever since. Lenny’s brought that tradition to London in 2024 with its long-running residency at The Bedford Tavern in Finsbury Park. Since then, it has earned a cult reputation among pizza lovers for its authentic New Haven approach and distinctive take on one of America’s most iconic regional pizza styles.
The Covent Garden opening – on key dining thoroughfare Henrietta Street – marks the step up from residency to restaurant, bringing fan favourites such as the Tomato Pie and signature “The Lenny” to the heart of the West End. A speciality, hybrid pizza, “The Lenny” splits a 14-inch pie perfectly down the middle: one half topped with tomato, garlic and pecorino, the other a classic mozzarella pie. The permanent restaurant will give fans a dedicated home for Lenny’s signature approach to New Haven apizza, with more details on the menu to be revealed ahead of opening.
Max Lewis, Founder of Lenny’s, said: “Lenny’s started as a love letter to New Haven apizza and its culture. I couldn’t believe no one had brought this incredible style of pizza, and the stories behind it, to London. The support I’ve had from both London and New Haven has been overwhelming – it’s been amazing to see this idea grow into something much bigger. Opening Lenny’s first permanent home in Covent Garden is totally surreal and partnering with MJMK Restaurants is a dream come true.”
Jake Kasumov, Co-Founder of MJMK Restaurants, said: “The very first idea Marco and I ever had was to open an East Coast pizzeria in London – we’ve always believed it’s the best pizza in the world. It never quite came together, so when I first tried Max’s pizza at his Lenny’s residency in a North London pub 18 months ago, it felt like fate. This was exactly the pizza we’d spent years looking for and never found. Getting to know Max sealed it – he’s an absolute legend, and we can’t wait for everyone to try it when we open in Covent Garden.”
DCL acted on behalf of Shaftesbury Capital on the letting.
