PizzaExpress

I like Pizza Express, it’s a good staple in times of change. It’s also a great place to eat when you’re on your own in a busy city on a Friday night. I am also a gold member on their app… 😛 Hence my choice of this Manchester edition, which is situated not far from busy Albert Square. Unassuming from the outside, this looks like it used to be a bank or something like that. Inside, the lights were dim, there was booth seating and it wasn’t very busy. Perfect. Seated straight away, I was offered a choice of seats - I chose to sit next to the glowing red heater (A hire, I think the heating was broken) which cast an otherworldly red glow across all my meal. Nice. I was toasty warm, as I wanted to be. Service was great and food and drink arrived quickly - they do Peroni by the pint here, not just in the big bottles like most Pizza Expresses. You like to see it. The beer in its purest form. To eat, the classic doughballs - these were on the smaller side, but came with a generous slug of the butter. Twice what you get typically in Liverpool. A firm plus. Followed this up with a romana base pepperoni, with olives. Tasty. The pizzaolo obviously fancies himself an artist, placing the olives in a ring around the edge. Whilst strictly unnecessary, this did endure a consistency of olives with each bite, which I commend. No pudding on this occasion. I love the chocolate cake with mascarpone, but demurred to be good. I questioned my life choice there later. To be honest, I still do. Go on, have the cake. Don’t be a Deerdog filled with an ever-increasing slate of regret… Overall I would recommend this place. The usual good Pizza Express food, served attentively at a nice pace in decent surroundings. Two paws up.

Following an evening of darts at Flight Club, my family and I went to Pizza Express for some food - after the loud music in the former venue almost perforated our eardrums😆 making it impossible for us to enjoy a meal and conversation with one another. We were a group of eleven, and it was almost 8pm on a Friday night - but the staff in Pizza Express still managed to find us a table. Despite being busy and rushed off their feet (we later found out they were a staff member short), the service was excellent and food arrived promptly. Our server - didn’t catch his name - was really friendly and worked hard to ensure we were all satisfied. (Which we were). He even supported us with obtaining the best discount deal (student discount). We left him a formal tip - which we hope he received. Thanks so much!

Perfect location for a pre-theatre meal. Staff are very efficient and friendly when welcoming diners, including when taking and delivering food and drink orders.. There were stylish Xmas decorations, including a good sized tree near the entrance. The building housing the restaurant has plenty of style and atmosphere. Standard of cleanliness is excellent in all areas. Considering the number of diners when we were there, it is a favourite for many people.