Pizza Express

A couple of us decided to head here for a cheap meal after work one night with the offers on over January. I started with the garlic mushrooms on toast which arrived with plenty of sauce smothered over. For the main of course a pizza which a mixture of mushroom and chicken toppings — all about average and what you expect from Pizza Express — cheap and easy not much more to say!

I have been to various different Pizza Express restaurants but most recently went to this Pizza Express. Its got some competition from other Italian restaurants such as Jamie’s Italian and Rosso (the restaurant owned by Rio Ferdinand). I have not been to either of these restaurants so dont know how they compare.
Anyway, whenever I have been to Pizza Express I have never had a disappointing pizza. Its got a wide range of different pizzas as well as pastas, calzones and salads. The last time I went I had the Pollo ad Astra — my favourite topping on pizza is probably chicken based. I am actually not a massive fan of pepperoni so don’t often get a pizza with it on.
One thing about Pizza Express is that they almost always have some sort of offer on. I have checked their web site and the deals are currently including 2 for 1 Wednesday, 30% off bill, starter and main for £11.95. Check their web site before you visit. You need to fill in a form and you get a code.

I don’t eat at Pizza Express very often as I prefer the diversity of independent eateries but I came here for a work function and they have a good sized room for a group of about 15 — 20. The lighting is almost like an office though, and makes it look a bit old fashioned, would be nice if they could update it in line with the rest of the restaurant.
I got excited about the food — pork and pancetta croquettes and sprout and pancetta pizza (yes, I ordered 2 things with pancetta in them). The croquettes were really underwhelming, especially considering Manchester’s best croquettes are literally a few metres away in La Bandera. They weren’t crispy and were served with an apple stuffing when they needed something with more punch (or to have more punch themselves). The pizza was fine but was cold. The house pinot grigio we ordered was nice (I extensively tested it). Desserts were good — the honeycomb cheesecake type thing was admittedly very sweet but I personally loved it. Decent tiramisu as well.

I came to Pizza Express just before Christmas with some work colleagues, and ordered in advance from their Christmas set menu — 3 courses and a glass of Prosecco for £19.95.
I do like pizza express, and have been many times in the past. Their food is good, i quite like their pizzas and salads too.
This Pizza Express restaurant on King St is pretty new and because of this the décor inside is modern and everything is neatly laid out. It looks just like any other Pizza Express restaurant that you may visit anywhere in the UK.
I ordered, to start, the Pork & Pancetta Croquettes — Pulled pork belly, pancetta, cheddar and basil croquettes breaded and baked, served with a spiced arrabbiata sauce. These were OK, if not a little bland and also not as piping hot as i would have liked.
For my main course i had the Anatra Romana pizza which consisted of pulled duck, shredded courgette, red onion and mozzarella on a light plum hoisin sauce finished with rocket and fresh spring onion. This was OK too — if not a little bit too heavy on the rocket.
My dessert was the Mince Pie Cheesecake. A special dessert just for their Christmas menu. This was a rum soaked fruit and clotted cream cheesecake on a crumbly shortbread biscuit base. It was fab. It tasted like a mince pie — but also like a cheesecake. It confused my brain and i loved it.
Overall, Pizza Express is OK if you’re looking for a lunch time meal — although there are better Italian restaurants in Manchester for not much more than you would pay here.

After a heavy night drinking at the Christmas party on Thursday, we needed something special for Friday lunch. After much talk of everything from Thai food to Subway, we (eventually) decided to go for Pizza Express.
We were seated upstairs upon request by my manager and left with our menus. Everything went completely downhill from here — it was quite literally the slowest service I have ever received! With only two servers on the whole of the top floor, which included at least two large parties, we felt very neglected throughout the meal. Even when asked if everything was okay, it was completely in passing, as if the waiter had no time for us either way.
The food, however, was of a good standard. Dough balls and cheesy garlic bread (carbs were desperately called for) followed by a chicken, red onion and chilli pizza. It sorted me out for a few hours, before the hangover really kicked in!
Overall, I expected better and was left feeling dissapointed. I thought Pizza Express would have it sorted by now.