PizzaExpress — Restaurant in England

Disappointing Alterations in Ambience: A Review of Pizza Express Southend-on-Sea

As a frequent patron of Pizza Express, I have long relished the delectable cuisine and the genial ambiance that characterized my dining experiences. Alas, recent changes in management have wrought a lamentable transformation upon the restaurant's atmosphere, leaving much to be desired.

Foremost among these alterations is the abandonment of the cherished booth-style seating arrangements, which imparted a sense of privacy and refinement to one's repast. In their stead, the tables have been reconfigured in a manner reminiscent of a hurried social gathering, bereft of the intimacy and sophistication one has come to expect.

The allure of Southend-on-Sea has always lain in its inviting milieu, where patrons could savour their victuals in tranquillity, shielded from the din of the outside world. Regrettably, the recent modifications have dispelled that essence, casting diners adrift amidst a sea of passers-by, akin to loitering at a transit terminus rather than partaking in a convivial dining experience.

While the culinary prowess and the affability of the staff remain commendable, the transmutation of the ambience has led me to ponder alternative venues where the cherished booth-style seating arrangements endure. It is a pity to witness such a venerable establishment forsake its former allure in pursuit of novelty.

In conclusion, while Pizza Express Southend-on-Sea may yet proffer superlative fare, the recent metamorphosis in layout and ambience has palpably diminished the overall dining experience. One can but hope that the proprietors shall reconsider these changes and reinstate the erstwhile ambiance that rendered Pizza Express a paragon of...

We visited this pizza express on an afternoon / evening visit to Southend. I had previously enjoyed going to Pizza Express restaurants in past, but not so much this one...

Staff were not particularly attentive to the customers, our children had kids meals but the drink (that it states is included with all kids meals) never turned up. The place got busier whilst we was there, but that just seemed to make the person serving want to spend less time as possible at our table. We sat nearer the back and it was also clear that staff spend a lot of time checking their mobile phones, which seemed quite unprofessional when we could see them doing it. I sort of feel there should be hand washing procedure after fiddling with your phone and before then handling food...didn't see it happen.

Food was OK... pizza tasted OK, not the best we have had, but not terrible either. Wife had bolognese which she wasn't particularly keen on. Kids wanted a unicorn ice lolly for desert, they didn't have one so gave them the other ice lolly and just popped them on the table and legged it, without questioning if they wanted the kids brownie or ice cream instead.

To be honest, I'm probably being generous with three stars, but they did seat us quickly, the place was fairly tidy and food was hot...

Whilst the food we had was good I was slightly disappointed at the lack of accommodation for young kids despite the obvious popularity of this place as a family destination. I attended with my walking two year old and we were seated at a small table. She doesn't use a high chair but weren't offered anything by way of booster etc. I was opposite her and we were next to a walkway so if i moved my chair to help her then I blocked the walkway. The chair was rock hard and daughter had to kneel to reach table - even when I had to get out a blanket for her to kneel on there was still no reaction from the staff. We were given some stickers, crayons and a poor excuse for an activity sheet which was something. Food wise the limited kids selection was acceptable although could not cater for my daughter's needs, (she's obsessed with sweetcorn and ketchup and they have neither!). Service was OK and food served quickly but nothing about the place that makes me want to go back. Although I originally rated 3, I've upgraded this to 4 on account of my fabulous (5) experience on a recent weekday lunch time visit. Service and food were both excellent and definitely recommend, though as only visited with another adult I don't have any reason to go back on...