Pizza Express is an example of a chain restaurant that has captured the loyalty of beleaguered Londoners during the economic downturn. Add to that the hordes of tourists that walk through its doors daily, and you have one of the busiest eateries in the capital.

The Venue
The big blue and white sign of Pizza Express catches the eye on Southampton Row, so that those savvy diners not already making a beeline for the restaurant, vouchers in hand, can’t help but notice it. A few outdoor tables also give it an edge on the competition during warmer weather. Inside, a simple array of modern tables and chairs are a little sandwiched in, but thanks to the clean lines and simple aesthetic of the interior design, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The neutral colour scheme is enlivened by a display of bottles filling one wall, backlit to make it a feature, and another feature wall with orange lighting, adding some warmth to the space. Of course, the Pizza Express signature open kitchen is ever present, so you can watch, mouth watering, as they prepare the pizzas from scratch.

The Atmosphere
Located a short stroll from the British Museum and the local media and law offices that cover this area, this branch of Pizza Express is almost always busy. However, at lunchtimes and post-6pm, you’ll struggle to find a table unless you’ve booked. This is particularly true when the chain has just sent out a bunch of money-off vouchers, which is does on an almost weekly basis. The atmosphere, therefore, is hectic and if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing meal then it may not be the best option. Luckily, the staff are incredibly friendly and very efficient so you won’t be stuck waiting for your dinner for too long – especially pertinent if you’re after a quick pre-theatre dinner.

The Food
Pizza Express has been very smart with its menu. It’s well priced with most options coming at around £10, and they have not only regularly commissioned well-known chefs to include their pizza creations as part of the the menu but have also introduced low-calorie pizzas – the leggara range, with less than 500 calories a meal. They also offer flexibility within their selection so you can add additional toppings, choose from a variety of bases and omit any ingredients you don’t like. They even held a Create Your Own Pizza competition where the winner had their pizza added to the menu. Simon Pritchard's gorgonzola, caramelised leek and pancetta creation beat over 50,000 entries and it’s easy to see why. The tart, strong flavour of the cheese is cut through by the sweetness of the caramelised leek and the saltiness of the pancetta - delicious and a worthy winner. And what of those leggara pizzas? They’re actually very good. The middle is cut out and replaced with a peppery rocket salad, which means you can easily eat a whole one and not feel stuffed afterwards. And the mozzarella cheese is spread out at intervals rather than slavered all over the top so it again makes it lighter on the stomach – worth bearing in mind if this is just the start of your evening. Of course, if you go for a light main then you can opt for doughballs with Nutella for dessert. Yes, it’s disgustingly bad for you and the rich, gooey Nutella will glue your mouth shut, but who cares when it tastes so good?

The Drink
There are a handful of red wines and as many whites on offer at Pizza Express, all very well priced at around the £15 mark. They have also been very smart in including the Leggara options in their wine selection, with Leggara wines containing fewer than 100 calories for those watching their waistline. Their beer choice is a little lacking with just two Peroni varieties available in bottles, but they do have a lengthy choice of organic coffees, which is a big tick in their drinks box.

The Last Word
It’s the consistency of the Pizza Express chain that makes it so impressive and explains why it’s been such a big success. And the Southampton Row branch is no exception.

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