Covent Garden in late summer is at its best: sunshine spilling across cobbled piazzas, street performers adding their flair, and an irresistible buzz that draws Londoners and visitors alike. On a bright afternoon recently, I headed to Doughnation, the artisanal pizzeria nestled within 3 Henrietta Street, with my toddler Xavier, my best friend Marsha, and her two children, Ceci and Hugo. What unfolded was an effortlessly joyful summer lunch—deliciously relaxed, family-friendly, yet with the sort of polish that makes it perfect for a relaxed London outing.
Doughnation has quickly built a name as one of London’s top pizza destinations, and it’s not difficult to understand why. The pizzas here are unapologetically indulgent: chewy, blistered crusts with the right amount of char, toppings that strike a balance between creativity and comfort, and a sense that every dish has been made with real intention.
We started with an exciting cured meat platter, teaser salad and pesto marinated corn on the cob slices that were a big hit with our food-loving little ones.
The star of our table—and Marsha’s firm favourite—was the Nduja Sausage pizza. Spicy, rich, and perfectly complemented by a scattering of pecorino Romano, it delivered the kind of bold, moreish flavour that lingers long after the last slice is gone. For me, it was easily among the best pizzas I’ve eaten in London. The Truffled Mushroom Ragout, aromatic with hazelnut and earthy mushrooms, was another standout, while the children happily shared a classic Pepperoni pizza. Ceci and Hugo polished off slice after slice with satisfied grins, while Xavier, who has only just discovered a passion for pizza crusts, delighted in stealing pieces from everyone’s plates.
The atmosphere at Doughnation is part of its charm. Set across elegant townhouse rooms, the restaurant strikes a rare balance: stylish and vibrant without ever feeling intimidating for families. The energy on a summer afternoon—sun streaming through the windows, the hum of conversations, the clink of glasses—was infectious, making it feel like we’d slipped into an urban holiday.
A highlight of the experience is Doughnation’s playful approach to drinks. Their new Free Spritz Pitcher offer, available Monday to Thursday, invites groups of four or more to pre-book with the code FREESPRITZ and enjoy a complimentary pitcher when ordering four pizzas. Choices include a refreshing Hugo Spritz, a Grapefruit and Rosemary Spritz, or the Aperol-style Il Botanista. Marsha and I opted for the Hugo Spritz—its elderflower lightness paired beautifully with the warmth of the afternoon and the richness of our pizzas. Meanwhile, the children stuck to juices, clinking glasses with us in their own miniature toast.
For couples, Doughnation also offers a Date Night menu: two pizzas and a bottle of wine for £35, available Monday to Wednesday evenings. Though our visit was all about family, I couldn’t help but note how well it would suit a midweek evening with Samira—perhaps debating between the 3 Prawn Deluxe or the iconic Potato Pizza while sharing a smooth Merlot.
As we lingered over the final slices and watched Xavier attempt to fit an entire crust in his small hands, it was clear why Doughnation is quickly becoming a Covent Garden favourite. It offers more than exceptional pizza—it’s a place to gather, to share, and to make even a casual weekday lunch feel like a little celebration.
Doughnation has been a true joy this summer and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for autumn….
