Hidden away (kind of) on Columbia Road in Hackney, just off Hackney Road, is a small pizza restaurant called Stringray Globe. We’ve been there for Friday lunch a few times now and it’s been very good every time. I can’t comment on the non-pizza menu (which looks comprehensive enough) but the pizzas themselves are very well made, being thin crust and a good size. I’ve had first hand experience of the proscuitto, american hot and calzone and these are all very good.
There’s also a good selection of beer from Budvar in large bottles to Nastro Azzuro on tap. Both are perfect for a Friday lunch. Friday lunchtimes also don’t seem to be particularly busy with plenty of room even at 1 o’clock either inside or out. The setting is quiet, being at the mainly pedestrian end of Columbia Road. Prices generally come to around a tenner per person for a pizza and a beer which is pretty reasonable.
Stingray is a nice little find and a pleasant surprise to find so close to Bethnal Green and Hackney.