Review of Pizza Express

We were looking for somewhere for a pre-theatre dinner and, struggling to find anywhere that could accommodate 6 diners, we settled for Pizza Express - a chain we usually think of as offering pretty good options.

Whilst there were no major issues encountered, the experience was not the best.

Firstly the venue was very noisy - not a lot to be done about that, it's largely down to the architecture causing significant echoing, but it doesn't make for the most enjoyable dining experience.

Secondly, my wife's pizza was served without several of the toppings. When we queried this the waitress commented that she didn't understand why that had happened. Workout making and further comment, she disappeared to the kitchen area before returning a few minutes later with the missing toppings in a bowl for my wife to add to the pizza herself.

Finally, and more worryingly for those with allergens - anyone who has visited Pizza Express will know that it clearly states on their menu that gluten-free pizzas are served on a square board. However, a member of party ordered a standard leggera pizza (containing gluten) which was served on a square board. When we queried this with the waitress, she assured us that it was fine. This calls into question all of Pizza Express' claims about allergens and suggests that they are not that hot on cross-contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating