One of Pizza Express’ jazz club venues, here you can enjoy the quality pizza the chain has become so well known for before heading into the Jazz Room for some tunes. Ideal.

The Venue
Positioned in the heart of Soho, this branch of Pizza Express is beautifully presented. Light and airy courtesy of the large windows to the front of the building, the crisp white walls interspersed with modern black and white prints creates a very modern feel to the space. Spotlights strewn across the ceiling light things up further, highlighting the simple wooden tables and chairs strewn across the floor. Bright orange flowers on each table gives the clean lines of the restaurant a little edge and the ubiquitous Pizza Express open kitchen keeps your eyes glued as you await your food. In complete contrast, the jazz room is suitably dark and brooding, spoiled somewhat by the Pizza Express branding.

The Atmosphere
Pizza Express Dean Street has managed to make jazz accessible and affordable for all, stripping away the pretentiousness that can sometimes be associated with it. As such, you get a pleasant mix of jazz enthusiasts and first timers, listening attentively to the regular live music events that take place. In the restaurant, you can expect the tables to be consistently full so booking is recommended. The almost frantic nature of eating here is stopped short of being off putting only thanks to the staff who keep you smiling with well-placed banter and an efficient service.

The Food
Pizza Express is very clever in paying attention to what the customer wants in terms of menu choices and as such the ever popular Leggara pizzas, containing just 500 calories each, are a welcome addition to the menu. Each pizza has the dough centre removed and replaced with a well dressed, crisp salad. The Mare e Monti (£9.25) arrives with juicy prawns, earthy mushrooms and strong olives and the well placed slices of gooey mozzarella means you’ll barely notice it’s not as cheesey as your average pizza.

Probably far worse for you are the salads, which come with warm dough-like bread and a side of irresistibly creamy dressing. Sinful! The Nostrana (£8.95) contains soft new potatoes, tender chicken breast, ripe avocado, cold hard boiled egg, sweet red pepper and lettuce, green beans and parsley. It’s a mix that works very well and you’ll be surprisingly full afterwards.

The Drink
The typical Pizza Express selection of red, white, sparkling and rose wines priced at around £4 - £5 a glass or £15 – £22 a bottle are present at the Dean Street branch. Peroni and a low alcohol lager make up the rather dull choice of beer. For tee totallers, the Sicilian lemonade (£2.25) has a tart flavour that’s well balanced by a delicate sweetness.

The Last Word
For those of you that have never fancied a full on jazz concert, Pizza Express Dean Street is the perfect sampler. The pizza is a pleasant bonus.

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