Covent Garden’s Carmy’s Pizza Slices Open Summer 2026

Key Points

• Carmy’s, a new pizza-by-the-slice shop, is set to open in Covent Garden, London, during summer 2026.
• The venture comes from the team behind Carmela’s in Islington, including Phil Chaykin, Gerry del Guercio, and Paul Delany of the Bite Twice social-media duo.
• Carmela’s head chef Aaron Murphy and general manager Davide Paone are also involved in the new project.
• The menu features just three pizzas: cheese, pepperoni, and a rotating special, emphasising “product, consistency and speed”.
• Ingredients will be sourced from the UK and Italy, similar to Carmela’s.
• Location is 1 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DA, previously home to the Monmouth Street Wines pop-up wine bar.
• Follow updates on Instagram at @carmysldn or visit their website for more details.

Covent Garden (Extra London News) May 4, 2026 – A new pizza slice joint named Carmy’s is preparing to launch in Covent Garden this summer, bringing a focused, grab-and-go pizza experience to the bustling West End area. The outlet, spearheaded by the team behind the acclaimed Carmela’s in Islington, promises high-quality slices with a streamlined menu designed for speed and consistency. This development taps into London’s growing appetite for New York-style pizza slices amid a wave of similar openings across the capital.

What is Carmy’s and Who is Behind It?

Carmy’s represents the latest endeavour from a group of seasoned restaurateurs already making waves in the London dining scene. As reported by the Hot Dinners gastroblog team, the project stems from Phil Chaykin, who also owns Ugly Dumpling, alongside Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany, the influencers known as the Bite Twice social-media food duo. These backers previously partnered to establish Carmela’s in Islington, which has garnered positive attention for its pizza offerings.

Carmela’s head chef Aaron Murphy and general manager Davide Paone are joining the action for Carmy’s, bringing their expertise to ensure top-notch execution. Phil Chaykin, Gerry del Guercio, and Paul Delany have invested significantly in this slice-focused concept, building on the success of their prior collaboration.

The Hot Dinners article highlights how the team

“put their money where their mouths were”

with Carmela’s, suggesting strong confidence in replicating that formula in a faster-paced format.

This lineup positions Carmy’s as a credible addition to Covent Garden’s vibrant food landscape, where quick-service options are increasingly in demand among tourists and office workers alike.

When and Where Will Carmy’s Open?

The new pizzeria is slated to debut in summer 2026 at 1 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DA, in the heart of Covent Garden. According to Hot Dinners, this prime spot previously housed the Monmouth Street Wines pop-up wine bar, offering high footfall in a pedestrian-friendly zone near theatres and markets.

No exact opening date has been confirmed beyond the summer timeframe, but the location’s accessibility—viewable on Google Maps—makes it ideal for slice-on-the-go customers.

The Hot Dinners coverage notes it “took a bit longer than expected” for London to embrace slice shops, positioning Carmy’s as a timely entry.

Covent Garden’s central position ensures Carmy’s will cater to a diverse crowd, from pre-theatre diners to late-night revellers seeking convenient eats.

What Will the Menu Look Like at Carmy’s?

Carmy’s boasts a deliberately concise menu tailored for efficiency, featuring just three pizza options: cheese, pepperoni, and a rotating special.

The team emphasises “product, consistency and speed”, which informs the tight selection to avoid overwhelming operations. Hot Dinners reports that the first rotating special remains under wraps, adding intrigue to the launch.

All ingredients will be sourced from the UK and Italy, mirroring the quality-driven approach at Carmela’s. This order-and-go model prioritises fresh, straightforward slices over extensive customisation, appealing to those craving quick, reliable pizza.

While broader London trends show experimentation—like halal pepperoni at Alley Cats Pizza or enormous slices from Dough Hands x All My Friends in Hackney Wick—no other sources detail Carmy’s specifics beyond Hot Dinners’ account.

Why is Carmy’s Focusing on Pizza Slices?

The slice shop trend, inspired by New York icons, is gaining traction in London, with Carmy’s riding this wave. Hot Dinners observes that

“London really is getting into the slice shop trend right now,”

crediting the delay to evolving tastes. By limiting to core slices, Carmy’s aims for operational excellence, as articulated by the team’s commitment to consistency.

Phil Chaykin, Gerry del Guercio, Paul Delany, Aaron Murphy, and Davide Paone seek to deliver reliable quality amid Covent Garden’s hustle.

This contrasts with fuller-service spots like Carmela’s, honing in on street-food speed without compromising on premium sourcing.

Industry context from DesignMyNight highlights parallel pizza launches, such as Bar Etna in Newington Green, but Carmy’s stands out for its slice-only ethos in the West End.

How Does Carmy’s Fit into London’s Pizza Scene?

Carmy’s enters a competitive market buoyed by successes like Carmela’s, which Hot Dinners praises effusively:

“Carmela’s really delivered in our opinion.”

The slice format addresses demand for affordable, portable eats, competing with established players like Crust Bros in Covent Garden, lauded for value at around £21 for a margarita slice and wine.

Nearby, Vasiniko Pizza underscores authentic Italian credentials with London-based chefs, while Alley Cats offers halal options. Hot Dinners positions Carmy’s as “one to watch,” leveraging the founders’ track record.

No statements from rival owners appear in sources, but the collective buzz—from Hot Dinners to Instagram chatter—signals optimism for slice proliferation.

What Do We Know About the Team’s Previous Ventures?

Phil Chaykin brings experience from Ugly Dumpling, blending into Carmela’s success. Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany, as Bite Twice, transitioned from social media to investors, proving their palate with Carmela’s. Aaron Murphy’s culinary lead at Carmela’s and Davide Paone’s management ensure seamless rollout.

Hot Dinners credits this quartet—and Chaykin’s broader portfolio—for credibility. Their pivot to slices reflects strategic evolution, capitalising on Carmela’s momentum.

Are There Any Updates or Contact Details for Carmy’s?

As of May 2026, summer remains the target, with no delays reported. Follow @carmysldn on Instagram or check their website for announcements. Hot Dinners encourages subscriptions for first news.

While Shortlist.com teased the story, detailed coverage stems from Hot Dinners. London’s food scene watches eagerly as Carmy’s promises to slice into Covent Garden’s offerings.