A Letdown for the Pizza Express culture - review added on Fri 25th Aug 2000

Well following eating in a wide selection of Pizza express venues including York, Manchester, Edinburgh etc I have to say this was the worst...My self and my partner arrived to stand at the door for approx 5 mins while one staff member was on the telephone and one was getting some drinks, eventually we just sat at a table of our choice. Menus then followed without an apology. The drinks were then ordered and served promptly and our order requested, For starter we choose Ham and eggs, the size of the dish was good consisting of two or three rolls of ham sat on a bed of Pizza Express tomato puree and two eggs cracked either side and baked in the over. A strange combination and maybe not be to everyone's liking but it had a strange draw for me and was greatly enjoyed. For main course my partner had a plain cheese and tomato pizza (Margarita) and I had the Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni. My partner described his as passable, the sauce was very thin almost watered down and just a very light sprinkling of cheese - He was disappointed as he has enjoyed this dish at most of the other Pizza Express venues we have visited. My Cannelloni was again of a decent size, and the taste was the best vegetarian dish I could recommend. Both dishes were very hot and straight from the oven as you can see into the kitchen.The staff needed training on customer contact, they were semi polite in a 'Ive got to do it' culture, rather than 'I realise you have come out to enjoy yourselves' a little more interest in the cuter would be nice. As for who was in charge I have no idea no one seemed to be checking anything was ok and we were never asked through out the meal if anything was ok.The venue has just had a slight improvement we had been told before our visit and 'slight' was the work. They have hung a new painting (Of which I would love in my hall...) and a couple of couches for take away service I think, as I said we were never offered a seat when we went in. They have also increased the number of palms and plants, which give the restaurant a more sophisticated feel. Before it was just bright white with now atmosphere. They have changed the view you see but as for the atmosphere they need a revamp of staff with a more caring approach.Average three-course meal for two people (no drinks included)£28.00Total review;Good food if you choose the right item on the menu. Always choose here, as you can't be bothered to cook, not as a venue to go to with friends for dinner. 5/10

Overall:	6
Food:	6
Service:	6
Ambiance:	6

Recommended Dishes: Ham and Eggs for starter and Cannelloni for main, finshed with the Summer fruit pudding and Mascaponi

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