Our decision on the popular pizza joint and their Live Summer Sessions.
You might understand PizzaExpress as a popular pizzeria, however did you understand it is likewise the home of live music, including the similarity Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse?
Hosting over 1,500 programs each year, PizzaExpress’ creator, Peter Boizot, looked for methods to consist of music in his dining establishments and the flagship location in London has actually hosted worldwide well-known artists because its very first ticketed efficiencies in May 1976.
Now, live programs are happening at more places throughout the nation, with a series of al fresco efficiencies commemorating Britain’s musical skill, in assistance of music treatment charity, Nordoff and Robbins.
A fan of good music, and somebody who can never ever state no to pizza, I headed down to the LiverpoolONE branch to experience PizzaExpress in such a way I never ever have previously.
PizzaExpress’ Live Summer Sessions occurred in Liverpool, from July 20 to 23, and I went to the restaurant on Saturday (July 22). In normal British style, it was putting down, so the efficiencies were hosted inside your home – instead of being al fresco – nevertheless, they were satisfying however.
Myself and my dining partner were seated right next to the (very beautifully set up) stage, providing an excellent view of the local bands and artists. Throughout our meal, we enjoyed original songs from a local band and a solo artist, who each performed 40-minute set. I absolutely love live music, and it was played at the perfect volume – not too quiet but not so loud you can’t hear yourself think.
The efficiencies were definitely a hit, with a group of little girls deciding to come best up close to the phase and dance their hearts out.
And, what makes it even better is that the performances were for charity, with diners being handed a QR code allowing them to donate to the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, if they wished to do so.
The food: I’m usually an independent restaurant kind of girl, but I have always said PizzaExpress is one of the best places for vegan pizza. Even going back years ago when veganism wasn’t as popular, I could always count on PizzaExpress’ Vegan Giardiniera and I still absolutely love it.
To start, myself and my dining companion both got dough balls, because honestly, who goes for pizza and doesn’t get dough balls? I opted for the Vegan Dough Balls, which come with a delicious plant-based garlic butter, and my companion went for the Dough Balls Al Forno, which are oven-baked with a trio of melted cheeses – mozzarella, cheddar and gran milano.
My dining partner rated his choice a solid 8.5 out 10 and said it reminded him of a really good cheese on toast, but, the vegan option was the winner for both of us. The garlic butter was excellent and they were just perfect.
For the mains, I of course got the Classic Vegan Giardiniera which comes with artichoke, mushrooms, red onion, black olives, tomato, vegan mozzarella alternative, garlic oil and parsley. I rarely finish a full pizza but I ate the whole thing and it is still just as good as it was years ago. My pizza preferences aren’t for everyone, but if it’s topped with olives and artichoke, I’m pretty much guaranteed to love it – can you tell I also like pineapple on pizza?
My dining companion opted for the Calabrese pizza, featuring sausage, ‘nduja, roasted peppers, red chilli, tomato, buffalo mozzarella, rocket, basil and pine kernel pesto and gran milano cheese. He too added black olives. Again, he rated his pizza a very respectable 8.5 out of 10 and finished the whole thing.
To drink, I chose Pornstar Martinis, my alcoholic drink of choice other than Espresso Martinis. And, honestly, they were the best I’ve had in a long time. I could really taste the vanilla in there and I might even go as far as saying they were the best Pornstar Martinis I’ve ever had.
My dining companion had the Mean Time Pizza Pale, and took pleasure in it so much he said he’d buy it elsewhere if he might.
Our overall experience was great, with lovely live music, an excellent server and delicious food. Although the Live Summer Sessions in Liverpool are now finished, they are still taking place at other PizzaExpress venues and hopefully we’ll see more live music here quickly!
Other PizzaExpress Live Summer Sessions areas:
