The London Issue will be distributed exclusively to Living Proof Members. Sent to our members for June, 2026.
E Pellicci is more than just a café on Bethnal Green Road, it’sa living slice of East London history, a place wheregenerations have sat side by side to share stories over big breakfasts, hearty pastas, and cups of coffee. Founded in 1900 by Tuscan immigrant Priamo Pellicci and later run by his wife Elide, the “E” whose name still proudly hangs above the entrance. The café began as a modest local spot and soon embedded itself into the fabric of the neighbourhood. Elide not only kept the business alive after Priamo’s death in 1931 while raising seven children, but her portrait still hangs inside, watching over the bustle she helped create.
E Pellicci has been part of this neighbourhood for over a century. How would you describe your relationship with the local community today?
Nev:
It's like family, isn't it?
Anna:
Yes. A lot of people we’ve known for years. We get loads of new people. We get people coming from all over the world. I think for us, we've grown up here before running it, this is like an extension of our living room. We like to hope that people feel, whether they've just come from abroad or visiting or being a local from around the corner, is kind of a home from home, and most people do end up feeling like that, and that's the loveliest bit about it.
Nev:
Some of my best friends have come from the cafe. I met my wife in the cafe.
Anna:
She was off her tits on Rohypnol. That's the only reason she went out with him.