Pizza Express

Pizza Express is one of my staples — not exciting, but usually reliable and, if I’m working away from home, sometimes you just want to eat rather than walk around trying to find something new.
This Pizza Express is on the edge of trendy Jesmond, on a road that is a slightly odd mix of hotels and studenty joints. There were plenty of students at the restaurant — I’d say they made up around two-​thirds of the clientele on a weekday evening.
Things didn’t start well — I had to wait to be seated and felt rather ignored at the entrance, but things perked up when I was shown to my table: my order was taken quickly and the food arrived swiftly; they turned down the music when I asked (though it was rather loud to begin with); and my starter and main-​course salad were tasty and enjoyable. The waitresses were pleasant without being intrusive, and my bill came promptly. Two courses with beer came to under £17.
On my visit, everything (table, glassware, crockery) was perfectly clean — hopefully a permanent improvement since the earlier review.

This Pizza Express is tired. The crockery is dirty. Glasses of wine served with bits of food attached. Pizza with measly toppings. A salad that was two different salads (must have got confused halfway through). Still, it’s a better option than some of the places on Osbourne Road, so was my semi sanctuary whilst staying Jesmond. I think I am showing my true colours now — I left my student days behind me a long time ago, and sititng in grimy run-​down establishments where you have to check everything before you eat or drink… it’s just not my style any more. Lets not go here again, mm’kay?