A few weeks ago, we were invited to try the festive menu at Pizza Express. I jumped at the chance as Pizza Express is one of my favourite chain restaurants and we eat there quite regularly anyway. We went to our local branch in Intu Merry Hill at about 3pm on a Sunday afternoon and were seated promptly. Thomas and Daniel were given hats, stickers, crayons, a little colouring/puzzle book and some Christmas cards to colour in during our meal. After a look at the menu, we ordered and then eagerly awaited our meal.
For our starters, Stuart had Garlic Bread with Mozzarella and I had Pork and Pancetta Croquettes which is pulled pork belly, pancetta, cheddar and basil croquettes, served with arrabiata sauce. Stuart loved his garlic bread as normal and I was really enjoyed the croquettes. The arrabiata sauce really freshened everything up and cut through the richness of the pork. I hope they make it a regular dish on their menu. Thomas had dough balls and vegetable sticks from the normal kids menu and loved it.
For our mains, Stuart had a pizza from for normal menu (I have forgotten which one – sorry!) and I had Anatra Romana which is pulled duck, shredded courgette, red onion and mozzarella on a light plum hoisin sauce finished with rocket and fresh spring onion. I love duck on pizza (I order duck with hoisin and spring onions from one of our local takeaways occasionally) and the Pizza Express version was one of the finest I have ever tasted. My only negative was that there was far too much rocket for my liking. I love rocket but this was so overpowering for the rest of the ingredients on the pizza. If they reduce the amount of rocket on this pizza, I would love to see it on their normal menu.
For dessert, Stuart had Chocolate Tartufo which was a chocolate sponge topped with crispy waffle praline and dark chocolate and filled with a praline mousse. I had Mince Pie Cheesecake which was rum soaked fruit in a clotted cream on a shortbread biscuit base. We both loved our desserts and they did not stay around for long! Mine just simply tasted of Christmas (I might give it ago and make it myself next year!) Stuart’s was rich, creamy and full of chocolate. I hope they put both desserts on their normal menu. They were amazing! We finished our meal with a glass of prosecco each and enjoyed the start of the festive season. If you are looking for break during your last minute Christmas shopping dash and would like to try something diffrerent this festive season, then why not give Pizza Express a try?
For other Pizza Express reviews, please see:
Jan at A Glug Of Oil
Jac at Tinned Tomatoes
Gary at Big Spud
We dined as guests of Pizza Express. All opinions are our own. I was not required to write a positive review
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