Pizzaexpress

Having visited this branch a fair few times I’ve always been pleasantly surprised by the attentive staff, always busy doing something, good service, attentive, but sadly that all went out the window on my recent visit. Walking down the stairs I was met (not physically, I was stood waiting for a short time with two members of the ‘team’ slouching against the counter chatting. Hmmm. Ok. A third team member greeted me, and she was very pleasant and friendly. The other two, 1 male, 1 female, still slouched against the counter. And not just slouched, but slouched with arms crossed (when not on their phones! . Not a great view having people’s butts sticking out when you look up. Not a great advert. What really bugged me was the manager (I’m assuming he was the manager as not in uniform was in the vicinity and was even chatting with them. Sorry but having been in hospitality for numerous years with my own premises if staff had done that they would be given jobs to do. There is always something that can be done which doesn’t include slouching and chatting. Maybe it’s the norm here? Let’s get to the ordering, the young slouching female team member came to take my order ‘what can I get ya’. Ok so no ‘are you ready to order?’ or ‘can I take your order?’ Order given, back to slouching. I guess walking 20 feet and saying those few words took all your energy? They were that busy slouching the ‘manager’ brought my starter! Either that or I’m a privileged customer…… So onto the food…..well I can honestly say this was the worst I’ve had at any pizza express, and usually at this branch it has been pretty good. The pizza was undercooked, pretty much raw from about inch and half in (and as a romana base it should be pretty well cooked, crispy, across the whole base , about a dozen bits of meat, 5 onion rings, few little bits of green pepper, sauce was, well, non existent as was the cheese, maybe they were running out? On previous visits I have not been able to fault the pizzas, always well cooked and crispy with decent amount of toppings and enough cheese that it ‘strings’ when you pull a slice off. Did I complain or make anyone aware, no because no one came to see how my meal was as they were too busy slouching and not looking at any customers, nor did they ask when my plate was cleared with a fair amount left on it. Poor show, but in fairness it was the slouching female that cleared and I don’t think interacting with customers was her forte! And for those who will say they use phones for their orders, this server had one table, mine, so I can’t see what she was doing on the ordering phone with no other guests ordering with her! Lastly, the temperature in the restaurant was decidedly cold, I can’t see that any heating was on at all, luckily I had a thick jumper on but i was still cold throughout my visit. Dubious as to if I will return as this visit has put me off to be honest.

It is very very cold in this restaurant. We were all freezing the whole time we were in there, every single table had at least one person sat in their winter coat and/or a scarf. It doesn’t make for a particularly pleasant dining experience. I was actually cupping my hands over the candle on the table for warmth at one point. The staff were walking around in T-shirts, but I imagine that’s the uniform and they don’t have a lot of choice, plus when your moving you feel warmer, but for those of us seated and eating dinner it was a fairly arctic experience. There are a few heaters, but they don’t seem to be up to the job. Food was fine, exactly what you would expect from a Pizza Express. We had a full meal with starters, mains and desert. The servers were attentive and service was reasonably quick despite it being busy in there. Some of the deserts that were supposed to be served warm were served cold which was frustrating, but we didn’t bother to mention it because by that point we were all so chilled through that we wanted to get out and warm up. It’s a shame because it’s a nice restaurant with a lovely location, but it’s just so cold in there.

It’s just reminded me why I don’t come to such places. Food arrived cold, salad was rocket and spinach. Staff unhelpful and didn’t seem to care. No toilet facilities in the place as closed off. The shopping centres toilets were closed and we were told to go to Nandos. Big fat waste of time. Disappointing experience avoid and go to a decent pub instead!

Had a lovely meal with a great atmosphere. Had great service, especially from Jess. Great for families or going out with friends.

Awful, terrible food, Don't waste your money it was the absolute worst lasagna I have ever had. It was worse than the worst microwave lasagna. Utterly disgusting!