Polpo Beak Street is giving away free Venetian doughnuts next week

Don’t look now, but from next Monday (May 15) London’s premier Venetian small-plates padre Polpo is getting into the breakfast game. To mark this auspicious occasion, it’ll be giving away free fritoles with any coffee.

What the heck is a fritole? Well, it’s a kind of warm doughnut, stuffed with soft ricotta and sultanas – something of a Venetian heritage food, having been hyper-popular since the Renaissance, explains Polpo’s big boss Russell Norman. 

The sweet little treats are likely to fly out fast – there's only 100 up for grabs – so get to Polpo’s Beak Street branch early (it’ll be open from 8am). Too lazy for that? Then hit up the rest of the primo-looking new breakfast menu. It includes ciabattas stuffed with prosciutto, emmental and tomato, bresaola and horseradish, or mushroom and taleggio; whipped mackerel and pickled courgette focaccia; grilled cheese and red onion sourdough; and a smattering of sweet pastries and cakes. Filthy sandwiches for breakfast, basically. GIMME.

Polpo’s takeaway breakfast will be available on weekdays, 8am-midday, at its Beak Street restaurant only, from Monday May 15. 

Slept through your alarm? Try our list of London’s best doughnuts, then.