[Closed] Pizza Express

Utter shit.
Support the independents.

It wouldn't surprise me given the troubles in the sector but do not fear as there will always be restaurant chains that do special offers (either via Tesco Clubcard or other deals - just look on places like Voucher Codes).

Let me be the first one to trot out the obvious joke....

When they fold they'll change the name to Calzone Express.

I think i've earned it.

Support the independents.

Can't afford to drop the best part of £100 for lunch out and we don’t go to Wetherspoons anymore for obvious reasons.

Utter shit.
Support the independents.

In Cirencester there's a Pizza Express, and right next door there's a proper old-school, family run Italian trattoria. It always boggles my mind that folks buy the expensive, tiny, pizzas from the chain rather than the mahoosive, delicious, pizzas from the independent.

(Unless they're using vouchers cos that's the only way they can afford a meal out, in which case, who am I to judge).

Can’t afford to drop the best part of £100 for lunch out.

Out of interest, what's it cost with the vouchers?

The signs are there for them to go: high debt levels, reliance on special offers and vouchers to get customers in the door and never seem to be busy. They've also recently been squeezing their suppliers and other cost-cutting measures. Any business in the food/experience sector needs to be able to be lean and ride out difficult times by being able to change their offer, things that Pizza Express cannot seemingly do.

Can’t afford to drop the best part of £100 for lunch out.

You're either going to the wrong independent pizza joints, or feeding a family of 10.

£10 of Tesco vouchers gets you £30 at PE.

We buy everything on Tesco Credit Cards, so the points roll in.

RAC, English Heritage, Tesco etc. Even used it on the Isle of Wight ferry.

Margherita for £6.50
Best pizza in the Uk.
https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/menus/

You’re either going to the wrong independent pizza joints, or feeding a family of 10.

Go on then. How much for 4 x starter, main and dessert + sides of garlic bread and olives at your independent?

do not fear as there will always be restaurant chains that do special offers (either via Tesco Clubcard or other deals – just look on places like Voucher Codes).

I wouldn't be so convinced, part of the problem pizza express are having, and perhaps to some extent the whole mid range sector, is that running a business where people only come on a voucher scheme is far from sustainable. Sure cheap places to eat will still exist, but not so sure that those where you get such a good "deal" with vouchers still will.

£10 of Tesco vouchers gets you £30 at PE.

Tesco's motto is pretty much 'Someone else pays'* so its not Tesco giving you that £20

Margherita for £6.50
Best pizza in the Uk.

Looking at that menu 4 x 3 courses plus a tip and drinks is £80ish.

Margherita for £6.50
Best pizza in the Uk.
https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/menus//blockquote >

Given I'm 150 miles from the nearest branch I think Pizza Express will still be cheaper even without vouchers.

 

Tesco’s motto is pretty much ‘Someone else pays’* so its not Tesco giving you that £20

Not sure that Tesco forced them to sign the deal.

I don't think I've ever been in one, but if they really do owe £1.6m for each and every restaurant there's no saving that!

They always seem very empty when I walk past them.

I wouldn’t be so convinced, part of the problem pizza express are having, and perhaps to some extent the whole mid range sector, is that running a business where people only come on a voucher scheme is far from sustainable. Sure cheap places to eat will still exist, but not so sure that those where you get such a good “deal” with vouchers still will.

I agree with some of what you are saying - it isn't sustainable to run a business on that model, but there will always be competition and people will try to get you through their doors especially at off-peak times. My favourite local Indian (which is one of the highest rated restaurants of all cuisines in Harrogate) is on TasteCard just to ensure they get people through the doors when it is quieter, however I won't use it the card there as they are a proper local business serving some amazing food.

Where are these Indy Pizzeria ? I can't recall the last time in a town i saw anything other than a chain. There's 1 Italian in PAngbourne but that doesn't do Pizza, The place in Goring is £120 for 2 people, let alone 3-4 people. So i'm struggling with where one would actually find these places ?

Our local pub often does Pizza and chips, freshly prepared Pizza x 2, 2 smallish portions of freshly cooked skin on chips, £20... So yes, we support the local pub 🙂

Looking at that menu 4 x 3 courses plus a tip and drinks is £80ish.

Right. Well there we go.

My kids have pizza and tap water.

🤷🏻‍♂️

Harry's right though. I have three kids, all of whom are now old enough to not be palmed off with a kid's meal.

If we go to eat anywhere not particularly fancy  these days, it's rarely less than £80 - 100 for the five of us, by the time we're done.

I'd baulk at dropping a ton in Pizza Express.

The only time we've ever eaten there is with Tesco vouchers.

My lad would take a bite out of the table if all he was getting was a pizza.

There are loads of independent pizza places that are good - I can think of at least 10 in Bristol alone, for example. Sometimes you have to search for them, though, as they'll be on streets with cheaper rent/rates.

Even something like Franco Manca is far better than Pizza Express, and charges around £6 for a Magherita.

Pizza Express was OK 20 years ago, when the general standard of food in the UK was pretty poor; in comparison to any decent independent these days it's terrible.

JP

There are good and bad ones. The one in Kendal is great, the one in Perth is shit.

Looking at that menu 4 x 3 courses plus a tip and drinks is £80ish.

There's the societal problem with food right there - where did lunch get inflated to 3 courses?

Weve got a great indy pizza place in our town, they also run a very good Italian restaurant. Pizza Express is ok, but like others above weve only ever eaten there with tesco vouchers in hand!

They are speaking to creditors, trying to raise some dough.

We go a few times a year but only because we can use Tesco voucher so costs next to nothing. Perhaps this is the issue. People like me are so used to going there on vouchers / discounts that we wouldn't consider going in a spending real money?

Are these PE pizzas tiny or does everyone just have massive stomachs these days? I can just about manage a whole one from one of the (many) local indy places, with some chips & a couple of beers, no way would I be able to fit in starter, garlic bread & dessert as well!!

There’s the societal problem with food right there – where did lunch get inflated to 3 courses?

Perhaps the OP isn't discussing 'lunch' but occasional family treats so the kids get to have ice creams and nice drinks etc?

I used to love Pizza Express, mind you that was about 15yrs ago.
Last time I was in one (Chichester) it was rabid with kids.

We walked out, went to a-n-other chain restaurant in the end.

Thats the problem with them these days, Tesco Vouchers is pretty much the main income stream.. which means they’re gonna make about £1 on every meal sold... that’s not sustainable is it.

They are speaking to creditors, trying to raise some dough.

That joke'll take a fair bit of topping

If they fold, will they become Calzone Express?

EDIT: How on earth did I miss a PP gag?

If they fold, will they become Calzone Express?

Really?

Perhaps the OP isn’t discussing ‘lunch’ but occasional family treats so the kids get to have ice creams and nice drinks etc?

That would be 2 courses then?

In response to the original question, I would say that it's unlikely that the company will go under. It will probably end up being sold on again. The chain was sold for (if I remember correctly) a fairly large amount to a Chinese investment company about five years ago, and was owned by a UK investment company before that so someone must see something in it.

If they fold, will they become Calzone Express?

Somebody already did that one.

Do Eddie Stobart deliver to them?

Utter shit.
Support the independents.

This, absolutely this.

oldtennisshoes

Subscriber
There are good and bad ones.

+1. The one in Peterborough is always busy, the staff are really nice & the food is decent, as is the one in Stamford.

brant

Subscriber
Margherita for £6.50

That price seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. Most places charge ~£10 for a pizza.

That would be 2 courses then?

Why yes, yes it would. And drinks too. Who knows, they may splash out on some dough balls to start too.

Pedant ;-P

Somebody already did that one.

Reflux

Pedant ;-P

I am being - but making a point. If you can afford to, why not 'splash out' on some dough ball too......apart from not that long ago I suspect we'd mostly have struggled to eat that much especially for lunch. Even if it is a treat. Now if you can afford it (with vouchers or otherwise) crack on. But the crack is probably a bit sweatier than it used to be!

There are good and bad ones.

Strange, isn't it?

(see also: Hermes, Yodel, Royal Mail, Evans etc etc etc)

Where are these Indy Pizzeria ? I can’t recall the last time in a town i saw anything other than a chain. There’s 1 Italian in PAngbourne but that doesn’t do Pizza, The place in Goring is £120 for 2 people, let alone 3-4 people. So i’m struggling with where one would actually find these places ?

Our local pub often does Pizza and chips, freshly prepared Pizza x 2, 2 smallish portions of freshly cooked skin on chips, £20… So yes, we support the local pub

I think the problem for Pizza chains and 'local' pizzerias alike  is - as you demonstrate - you'll struggle to find a place to eat that doesn't serve pizza, and often pretty good ones.

We've got a cracking indy in my town which I'd happily go to but it's always rammed which is a good thing. There's also some brilliant indy's in Birmingham that I visit if I can.
But.
If you're in a strange town and want something good and reliable then Pizza Express is bang on. The food is pretty good, it's not mega expensive and does the job consistently. It's easy to be snobbish about these places but I think it's a chain that'll be missed if it does go.

Where are these Indy Pizzeria ? I can’t recall the last time in a town i saw anything other than a chain.

We're just a small northern town but we have at least four indy pizza/pasta places in the town centre, as well as a Pizza Hut, Pizza Express and Bella Italia.

* http://www.stablehearth.com/
* https://www.unomomentorestaurant.co.uk/
* https://al-forno.co.uk/
* http://www.salvoscucinaitaliana.com/

All way better than Pizza Express.

Lunge, Ronnies deliver. (Don’t know why they seem to be kissing the arse of some bloke who owns a Ferrari on FB 🙄 )

Lunge, Ronnies deliver.

They also do pick-up which means I can have a pint whilst I wait! I will pretty much always go there if I'm in Stourbridge, but in towns I don't know Pizza Express is a solid option.

From what I can see there's none in Didcot and 2 possible options in Newbury, their average prices are £13 for the pizzas. £5 for a beer. £5 for milkshake etc.

Yup independent is far better.

Lunchtime specials at 2 of my local for 3 courses £12 each for adults plus those drinks, kids 2 courses £6.95 with free drinks no where near £100.

Free kids pizza Friday and Saturdays at aforementioned Ronnies too (realise this is no help to OP)

But have eaten at, and do like PE, their vegan options taste pretty good

Just because somewhere is a chain, doesn't mean it's bad. Just because somewhere's not a chain doesn't mean it's good.

I've been to faaaar to many absolutely shit indies to care much for gambling for a hard-earned family treat.

The pizza place on my street is astoundingly good - a main road in Edinburgh City Centre, so not traditionally "cheap". Great selection of pizzas at around £6-9 each, £4 for a pint of lager or £10 for a bottle of (rather nice) house wine. It's nice inside and always busy.

Meh, been to the Skipton one a few times with the kids armed with Tesco vouchers and it's okay. Much prefer to go to one of the independent restaurants especially at kids eat free or for £1 time.

Also PE have published carb scored menu, a bonus if you have a diabetic in the group. But I digress, as have a few other judgemental types on here.

Give me £100 and I'll go indie, give me load of vouchers earned from buying deisel and I'll go to Pizza Express... But not the Newport one on the Isle of Wight, that was comically bad. As is my local indie as it happens.

I’ve been to faaaar to many absolutely shit indies to care much for gambling for a hard-earned family treat.

Which is why searching for a place on that internet thing or Facebook is handy as not only can you check where they are, prices but can even find discount codes sometimes.

Pizza Express is very average at best and I’d rather not spend a hard-earned family treat there

We don't spend hard earned, we spend Tesco vouchers.

I love Pizza Express, one of my favourite restaurants.

Would be gutted if it folded.

See, now, the one I really don't get is Bella Pasta. They are absolutely shite, how are they still in business?

See, now, the one I really don’t get is Bella Pasta. They are absolutely shite, how are they still in business?

As why would spend £100 going somewhere else? I’ve no idea as never heard a good word about them.

We don’t spend hard earned, we spend Tesco vouchers.

NHS Discount cards. Boooya!

See, now, the one I really don’t get is Bella Pasta. They are absolutely shite, how are they still in business?

Probably because they offer hefty discounts via various sources. Only ever go to the one at Centre Parcs and think it's okay, just like PE. Wouldn't go out of my way to eat at either but also wouldn't avoid them.

@Weeksy: Pizza Express and Ask in Abingdon...

@Weeksy: Pizza Express and Ask in Abingdon

They're not indy, they're chain. Plus Abingdon is 13 miles, it's not really 'local' then even if it were indy.

I get what people are saying, but we don't all live in or near a town as such. It also means 1 person has to drive.

I'm sticking with local pub.

Went for the all you can eat lunch once. The best thing was the ranch dressing. Everything else was filler.

Also PE have published carb scored menu, a bonus if you have a diabetic in the group.

And they tend to be absolutely bob on. That, and the fact they are lighter on the oils and fats, means no late post meal spike … unlike eating pizza just about anywhere else (except making your own at home).

Oh, tastier pizzas elsewhere though, of course.

Pizza Fella in Leeds is probably my current favourite.

Just a word to the ‘they’re shit, go somewhere else’ lot - you do realise people have different taste to you? WHAT REEALY.??! Some people even prefer the taste of MacDonalds burgers to real, homemade ones! I KNOW! Amazing world where people have different tastes!

@weeksy

decent pizza near us is either at the Catherine Wheel - mostly in the summer though

or more especially Sole Luna. In the carpark every Wednesday, and various other locations!

http://www.pizzasoleluna.com/. They're lovely.

Both a bit pricier than others though

Also PE have published carb scored menu, a bonus if you have a diabetic in the group

They also do gluten free and vegan options.

And if you don't have a decent independent?

Paesano in Glasgow student land do the nicest pizzas I've eaten outside of Italy. Favorita in Leith a bit disappointing really.

Utter shit.

^^^Yep sums it up. Expensive but only middle of the road quality and a bit bland. How the **** it lasted so long I don't know. Went in the Manchester one years ago and that was enough for me to know I'd never go again.

I vote Frankie and Benny's next! Again bland as **** corporate toss baggery.

I love it when these corporate arseclowns go bust! They treat customers like idiots, their staff like camels and think they can charge top money, whilst only aiming for mediocrity and just about getting away with it.

It's like when you see "New Recipe" on supermarket food. You know it's been cost reduced, ingredients swapped, sizes/amounts smaller/lowered and watered down by a team of arseholes, who assume they can blag the thick as **** plebs. I reward them by never buying it again and so far it's worked, I've seen plenty go bust ****-em!

Just because somewhere is a chain, doesn’t mean it’s bad.

If you've ever worked in the catering industry you'll know that this is generally not true. There are many reasons most chains are bad, and the primary one is that the need for standardisation has a hugely detrimental impact on the quality of the food and the care taken when preparing it.

Most (but not all) chains are basically 'heat it up' places. There are exceptions, of course, but this is the general rule.

JP

Frankie and Benny’s are already closing branches aren’t they?

Yes DezB everyone has different tastes. Some people think Pizza Express actually nice for example.

You don't need starters or desserts at Rudy's.

One of the pizzas is enough unless you're a proper greedy piggy.

And yes, it's definitely the best pizza I've had in the UK, better than a lot of what I've had in Italy.

Luckily my new office is a couple of minutes walk from one.

🙂

Frankie and Benny’s are already closing branches aren’t they?

Nice one hope the commercial landlords get scalped, end up with letting voids and have to redevelop the sites at mucho costo.

Wow, I had no idea that a thread about a failing restaurant chain would flush out so many.

Damnit, that's my lads new NUS card discounts ruined!

Will have to try Rudy’s next time I’m in Manchester.

To those saying “we don’t have an independent”, well, if PE closes your local restaurant (I personally hope they don’t have to) then that might open up your town to an independent starting up.

Margherita for £6.50
Best pizza in the Uk.
https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/menus//blockquote >

I agree with this. Only disappointment is that I live in London, so nowhere near it.

Whilst we're here though, my London favourites would be Bravi Ragazzi in Streatham, Bellillo in Fulham or Sodo in Walthamstow