Once upon a time, somewhere in a shed that pretended to be a factory and offices near the M25, a committee once met. Several draft designs were discussed for hours, culminating, after a break for coffee, in executive decisions to replace the shades of midnight and prussian with the french navy blue at top of page 34 in their catalogue.
This new arrangement paid off several months later when the owner of the Moon Pizza of 4 High Street, Walthamstow decided to endow his business with a new sign. No doubt he wished to evoke and draw attention to the mysterious and fascinating worlds above our neon-lit heads.
The management has changed a bit since it was first put up, but sign still has a black background with blue, silver bordered letters which stand proud above the red pull down shutter. It conveys with poetic melancholia an ambiance of romantic nostalgia surrounding the Moon Pizza business and its products, even when the shop is not open.
At such times, the red neon Free Delivery sign can be seen through small gaps in the red shutter. No menu is available for inspection however, no doubt because it is provided on a regular basis to the local inhabitants by pasty young men who leave leaflets sticking out of their letter boxes.
One such leaflet thoughtfully supplied tells me that by phoning 0208 521 8200 I can look forward to free delivery of pizzas ranging from a small 7" margherita (cheese and tomato sauce) for £3.90, to a 15" Moon Special, (turkey, ham, pepperoni, beef, red onion, mushroom and green pepper) for £14.90. A stuffed edge with cheese and an extra topping can be added to the 7" for 80p, and costs £2 if selected for the 15" pizzas. The small print tells me that I need to spend £6.50 to avail myself of the free delivery.
This may be why, when open, the same kind of pasty-faced young man who delivered my leaflet seems to be the main client, especially just after they have got out of school. They do not however restrict themselves to the Pizzas. Another sign, adorned with a bird which looks more like a roadrunner wearing a bib than a chook announces that the Moon Pizza is not the only treat available, but sells chicken and burgers. A chicken fillet burger is £1.99, the same price as 4 pieces of garlic pizza bread, a vegetable burger or a fish fillet burger. 1 piece of chicken costs £1.30, 12 pieces come for £11.99. 4 hot wings cost £1.49.
I can't comment on the quality of the Pizzas or the other food sold here. I don't eat here, nor do I patronize other local places of a similar ilk much, like Grillers , Mega Bite and Perfect Fried Chicken which cater to similar after school clients.
My own recipe for Pizza includes ingredients in the sauce which are never seen on these menus - sun dried tomato paste, celery, capers, fresh herbs. God knows what the chicken and burgers are like; the complexion of the clientelle is no recommendation, though the number waiting when I often walk past in the afternoon does suggest that Moon Pizza has its fans.
They were shut down in Spetember 2008 due to vermin infestation, but are now back in business.
[Updated 8 January 2009]