Pulia

London Bridge

Already thriving in Milan, Venice and Florence, Pulia is bursting with organic, artisan produce fresh from the Italian ingredient heartland of Puglia. Set on the periphery of Borough Market, this newly opened deli is a worthy stopping point for stocking up on quality food and drink; it’s also a super spot for breakfast to watch the area as it springs into life on a weekend.

Puglian cuisine is known for its simplicity and you can find all the favourites and more in abundance: salami, burrata, and a knotted mozzarella called nodino lie behind the counter. Add olives, fresh salad and focaccia and you can practically feel the sun beating on your back. The wine, from selected Puglian producers, only adds to the effect. Saunter between savoury bites like taralli caserecci (mini crispy bagels) to a range of local olive oils – the orange-infused option is rather special. A cornucopia of sauces festoon the walls, the pick being spicy peperone piccante, a perfect foil for the region’s trademark orecchiette pasta. Home bakers should try cristalli di limoncello (similar to crystalised ginger) to add a citrus pep to cakes. Pasticciotto, Puglia’s answer to the Portuguese custard tart, is not to be missed.

You eat surrounded by the produce, where even the interiors are authentic of region. Whitewashed walls in local stone and stripped-back Puglia-crafted furniture give a rustic sense of place. A large pumo, a flower bud offered as a lucky charm in Puglia, invites you to touch it for good fortune before you leave. BG. pulia.it