La Porchetta

Almost full when we entered and with punters continuing to pile in as we left, La Porchetta is clearly doing something right. We’re just not sure what it is. Staff weren’t particularly welcoming, despite our booking, and the small, closely packed tables at this Bloomsbury branch don’t make for a relaxing evening. Yes the pizzas are huge – they threaten to fall off both plates and tables – and the toppings are OK for the prices charged (£5.20-£9.20), but our Messicana (fresh Italian sausage and chilli) and frutti di mare were soggy at centre. House wines by the litre and half-litre carafe are cheap and taste it too, but the kitchen produces some good-looking plates of pasta.