Pizza Express

I live in Birmingham and we have 2 Pizza Express restaurants in the middle of town. One is in Brindley Place and is surrounded by other bars and restaurants, is flanked by the International Convention Centre and is 100 yards from the canal (which is pretty because all the trees that line the canal are decorated with little white lights). The second restaurant is on Corporation Street opposite the Law Courts. This is a quieter side of town but architecturally more historically interesting. Both restaurants are in prime locations and I believe this to be a plus point for Pizza Express.

The décor is unlike any other Pizza chain that I have eaten in. There is no red or yellow plastic, there are real plants and the scheme tends to be glass, chrome and black & white marble. Both of the restaurants in Birmingham have semi-open kitchens, which adds to the atmosphere of the place. In short, eating at Pizza Express feels like going out for dinner. Whereas I do not get that feeling in Pizza Land, The Deep Pan Pizza Co or Pizza Hut, which feel more like going out for fast food.

The food at Pizza Express is great. The menu is varied and unusual (again I am comparing it to other chain Pizzerias) and my particular favourite is the Fiorentina (Spinach, Mozzarella, Olives, Herbs and Egg). Pizza Express does not seem to churn out the usual list of Pizzas, but have a more interesting and unusual menu.

They also sell some great pasta dishes, including Lasagne and Spaghetti Bolognese. They offer garlic bread, salad and dough balls as a starter or side order. They are a licensed restaurant and have a good choice of Italian wines and beers on offer, as well as the usual soft drinks.

If you really fancy a pizza, but want something a little more upmarket than the other chains can offer, I would highly recommend Pizza Express. They don’t offer a children’s menu or any gimmicky gifts for kids and so
it is not as suitable for families with children as other chains.