Pizza Express

PizzaExpress is an international restaurant chain based in the United Kingdom that is owned by a consortium of bondholders. It operates approximately 470 restaurants in the United Kingdom, as well as 100 across Europe, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Peter Boizot created it in 1965. In 2015, PizzaExpress celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company was taken over by its bondholders in July 2020 as part of a debt-for-equity swap with former owner Hony Capital. Hony Capital exited the firm in November 2020, and the group reorganization was completed, reducing the casual dining chain's debt by more than £400 million.

Russell Norman has sampled the greatest Neapolitan sourdough pizza and the most sought-after Roman al taglio slice, but he readily confesses that 'there are moments when I have a bit of a yearning for Pizza Express pizza.' He is perplexed by foodies who dismiss chain restaurants out of hand: 'They have a black and white, "chains evil, independents excellent" mentality, yet there is a place for chains that give consistent excellence.

Price: Starters from £3.75, mains from £8.45

Website: https://www.pizzaexpress.com