Pizza Express - Hart

Booked in advance by some weeks for Christmas Eve. The food was great, the welcome and attitude of the Manager, no so good. We were shown to a table that was unusable as the till was directly next to it and over hanging the table. Imposing and I’m pretty sure I would have banged my head on it. The Manager, insisting the till was not in use, would not move us to another table until I made a fuss arguing that they were busy and that they had been turning people away. The obvious discussions going on between her and the staff in the corner made us feel awkward. As a result we ended up rushing our food and leaving without a desert. Interestingly the till was used and other tables remained available for the time we were there. Not ideal. Perhaps additional training for her would be advised.

Oh dear. Oh my word. This was my worst Pizza Express experience ever: and I’ve been going to Pizza Express since 1988. Honestly, no joke, it’s the worst pizza I’ve ever had. This franchise, which I have sponsored over many years, has recently been taken over by another family. The new family are yet to master the art of pizza making and also the art of customer interaction (the constant sniffing of my server was off putting, bordering comic. I’ve had the same pizza for 35 years: American with extra mushrooms, if it ain’t broken etc. Well this bad boy was well and truly broken. 3 hours post meal it’s sitting, rather uncomfortably, in the pit of my stomach. My two kids, unprompted, feel the same. Actually, I’m gutted. It’s like being let down by an old friend. Out of loyalty, I will give the new family another chance, perhaps let them get accustomed to the oven and ingredients, perhaps a couple months will help. God, I hope so.

The food and staff are always good and it’s been a family fave for years. However, it’s not a cheap dinner, easily £100, and for that I’d expect to be eating in nice surroundings. The floor has been filthy on out last few visits, the staff need to be sweeping the floor after tables leave. The actual restaurant is in serious need of a refurb, it hasn’t had a penny spent on it since it’s opened. It’s very worn, furniture needs replacing, needs a repaint, deep clean etc. I don’t expect to pay £100+ and be eating in the equivalent of a shopping centre food mall. In terms of cleanliness and comfort that’s what it compares to. McDonalds is cleaner and more comfortable.

What's the point of offering a delivery service when the food is stone cold by the time it arrives??

My daughter and I enjoyed a delicious pizza here. The restaurant is on the High Street, with plenty of parking available near by. We hadn't booked a table, and as it wasn't too busy, we chose a table by the window. I had a large glass of Pinot, which went perfectly with the Fiorentina pizza (the one with spinach and egg! The service was just right unobtrusive, but attentive. The meal was great value for money; our pizzas were cooked to perfection! We were given a box to take home our uneaten pizza, which we enjoyed the next day. Obviously, Pizza Express is a nationwide chain; but you don't always get the same wonderful experience you are guaranteed to get in the Fleet branch. Would highly recommend!