Topic ID 1583
One of our favourites - you know what you're getting - so went for a relaxing meal yesterday afternoon and deeply regret it. Turned up at 5.30, shown to a table outside (not fully laid up and with dirty cutlery) then had to wait for 15 minutes for someone to ask us if we would like a drink - and that only after I got up to find a waitress. They were busy but had empty tables inside so were not full. We ordered but the white wine turned up warm, they were out of mineral water and the starter took another 35 minutes to arrive. By then, the table next to us, which was seated 30 minutes after us, had finished their starter and was about to start on their pizzas. The manager lied to us, the pizzas never arrived and after an hour and a half drinking wine and tap water, we walked out. What a shambles.[:(!] And not a one off because we were in there a couple of weeks ago and the service was slow and innattentive from our waitress. And the people leaving as we arrived yesterday were complaining about something. Now we know what: Everything! Last time we eat there. Shame because the food's still what we expect (if it arrives).[:(]
Reply ID 19425
Ah, so it was you causing a scene when we arrived yesterday early evening! [:0] We were told that there was a 40 minute wait for pizzas and sure enough they arrived after 40 minutes, although I did see people there who had arrived before us getting theirs later. I think as Funday ended yesterday a large number of people headed off for eateries, meaning that alot of people arrived at once, putting some stress on the kitchens. To be fair, our waitress was both apologetic about the long wait and attentive.
Reply ID 19430
Funnily enough, we were prepared for a wait. We knew it was Funday and that it had just finished and that PE would be busy because families would be going there. 40 minutes would have been fine, even expected in the circumstances. But we weren't told about it, waited for everything and didn't get our food. We walked out because the manager lied to us. He told us our pizzas were in the oven and 15 minutes later we still didn't have them. He had offered us free food but we could not be bothered to wait any longer. Got a Chinese takeaway at the Empire and were sitting down eating it, in our garden, within 25 minutes of leaving PE. Our waitress was apologetic too. After an hour and a half, it's not good enough when your food should take 10 minutes to prepare and cook. I don't think our waitress was necessarily the problem. The kitchen and manager should take most of the blame.
Reply ID 19541
This happened to us around a month ago. We had a long wait and when the starter arrived cold we had to send it back. It came back burnt! After waiting too long for a main meal that didn't come we decided to leave. They were very apologetic, gave us the wine for free and said they were training up a new chef. Returned around a week ago and found the service was back to it's normal high level. However it was a Thursday and wasn't particularly busy.
Reply ID 19542
quote:they call them "chefs".????
Originally posted by Paul Simon
This happened to us around a month ago. We had a long wait and when the starter arrived cold we had to send it back. It came back burnt! After waiting too long for a main meal that didn't come we decided to leave. They were very apologetic, gave us the wine for free and said they were training up a new chef. Returned around a week ago and found the service was back to it's normal high level. However it was a Thursday and wasn't particularly busy.
Reply ID 19543
Justin's disdain for Pizza Express is well documented. What I'd like to ask is this: Is there a pizza outlet that Justin would recommend or are they all unworthy? Or is it pizza as a dish that's the problem?
Reply ID 19545
Steve ... I think Justin should visit 'ASK'. A grade up from Pizza Express but very reasonable with a great atmosphere. Fantastic Pizzas too!
Reply ID 19546
Ask a grade up ??? - cant stand the place, it excels at nothing except mediocrity.
Reply ID 19547
So what's your 'Pizza' suggestion then Frenchie?
Reply ID 19550
quote:ASK and Pizza Express are the same company. I've alwys been unimpressed with anything I've had at (any) ASK.
Originally posted by azzza
Steve ... I think Justin should visit 'ASK'. A grade up from Pizza Express but very reasonable with a great atmosphere. Fantastic Pizzas too!
Reply ID 19552
if made correctly, pizza express makes the best pizza!(i guess it depends on which one you visit though)must be more of a staffing issue rather than produce used. i agree with frenchie, ask is inferior in alot of ways.
Reply ID 19553
There's a thread about ASK [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=555"]here[/url]
Reply ID 19554
Of the 2 i believe PE makes a better pizza and the whoe experience is a lot more enjoyable.
Reply ID 19559
Home made pizza...very simple very quick. And you can have whatever combination you like. Has to be the way ahead.
Reply ID 19682
I went to Pizza Express last night on a 'Reccy' and couldn't have had a nicer time. The service was friendly, efficient and attentive. I guess all restaurants have off days but it's good to know that they have learnt from their mistakes.
Reply ID 19890
Had a nice meal on Sunday early afternoon; arrived about 2.15pm and it was busy outside mainly with families with young children - which I only mention as the staff where very pleasant and accomodating of the children but I imagine it is difficult with so many in the restaurant at one time. Food arrived on time and was fine - I had expected to wait a long time but this was not case, and we were not rushed either. Nothing spectacular, but I couldn't be bothered to cook and Pizza Express was just the ticket.
Reply ID 19908
Following a letter of complaint to PE head office, we got a response which I wont repeat verbatim but which does show that they listen. They apologised and accepted the accuracy of our statement without trying to defend the manager's actions. However, they explained they were short of staff (although there were 3 cooks on) and that we should have been told of the likely wait when we arrived. All obvious stuff and it's what usually happens if they're busy when we go in there. I'm not sure I'm entirely happy and I'm still upset that we were lied to by the manager. What will happen to him they have not said. They sent us £40 in vouchers as compensation, so that's a bonus. Using them might be a problem, of course. I think the next nearest is WGC but that means driving and then the wine goes out the window. If any of Hertford's restauranteurs are reading this and will accept PE vouchers, let me know and we'll be around to see you shortly.
Reply ID 19910
Paul... Aren't you being a little judgemental?.. Why not got go back to the Hertford Branch... Go on, give them a second chance.
Reply ID 19917
quote:Exactly.........the purpose of the vouchers is surely to entice you back at their expense and they must be confident that your next experience will be better.
Originally posted by azzza
Paul... Aren't you being a little judgemental?.. Why not got go back to the Hertford Branch... Go on, give them a second chance.
Reply ID 20047
I'm sure we will go back to the Hertford branch.....eventually. But for the time being I am still feeling bitter about the whole thing and I want to exercise my right to boycott the Hertford PE and be angry. Anyway, the PE vouchers are valid at any PE branch and came from PE head office, not PE Hertford. I shall have to remember to keep them handy in case we're out and about and spot a PE one lunch time.
Reply ID 20048
You could sell them on eBay - probably not for face value though but you may get enough to pay for a chunk of a meal at another establishment.
Reply ID 20672
I've always found the PE in Hertford superb, been there over 20 times since I've been in Hertford and always found the food to be magnifico and the staff there really friendly. Not to mention the female waitresses are foxy as well (phwoarrr!!!) which helps! Sorry to hear of your bad experience with them, I do think its a little bit unfair, dont you think they felt like crap by the fact they were short staffed? They may have had 3 cooks on but there must have been a shortage of waitresses, think how many tables there are etc...give them a second chance man! If not I'll nick those £40 vouchers off ya :-) [:p][:D]
Reply ID 20711
I'm with Jusin on this one. You can get a better pizza in M&S.
Reply ID 21139
Hertford PE have now sent me tickets to a jazz event they're having. All well and good but if they're trying to say sorry they should just send us a letter. All the apologies have come from head office and not from the Hertford staff/manager.
Reply ID 21140
quote:Out of the branded chains, id say Strada outshine the others. It is proper italian, with interesting ingredients and eclectic wines. I do have a pizza from time to time, but i think its a complete rip off and a licence to print money. But some will say £29 for a lobster is a rip off!
Originally posted by Steve
Justin's disdain for Pizza Express is well documented. What I'd like to ask is this: Is there a pizza outlet that Justin would recommend or are they all unworthy? Or is it pizza as a dish that's the problem?
Reply ID 21141
I'd say that was a pinch!
Reply ID 21151
quote:you can mate go to the chicken shop nr the woolpack[:D] buy one get one free[:p] P.E.lol nice[xx(]
Originally posted by wizkid
I'm with Jusin on this one. You can get a better pizza in M&S.
Reply ID 21228
2929Paul ... I had one of those 'off nights' at Pizza Express last night. One rude waiter, One rude waitress, Dirty table (covered in coke that seeped into the rim) .. wobbley table... Lager soaked menu, .. waiter hurrying us to order ... the chef couldn't take the 'capers' off the pizza before it was cooked...and bill took '45 mins' to arrive .... The food and drink was good tho :) ... just one of those nights I guess?!
Reply ID 21229
If you've had a bad time at Pizza Express, please let their head office know. You can email them at enquiries(at)pizzaexpress.com. If there's a problem at the Hertford Branch they need to be made aware of it.
Reply ID 21234
quote:How can the chef not take the capers off when the pizzas are made to order? If you find your bill takes a long time to arrive just go and stand at the till. You will get served very quickly.
Originally posted by azzza
2929Paul ... I had one of those 'off nights' at Pizza Express last night. One rude waiter, One rude waitress, Dirty table (covered in coke that seeped into the rim) .. wobbley table... Lager soaked menu, .. waiter hurrying us to order ... the chef couldn't take the 'capers' off the pizza before it was cooked...and bill took '45 mins' to arrive .... The food and drink was good tho :) ... just one of those nights I guess?!
Reply ID 21236
you shouldnt have to go and stand at the till surely, esp as you may be with friends/young children etc
Reply ID 21237
We have often had to wait ages for the bill. Irritating.
Reply ID 21241
quote:You shouldn't have to but why wait and get even more hacked off?
Originally posted by Frenchie
you shouldnt have to go and stand at the till surely, esp as you may be with friends/young children etc
Reply ID 21246
quote:If they haven't bought the bill in a reasonable time, try standing up, saying loudly, "If you can't be bothered to bring the bill, I can't be bothered to wait", and start to walk towards the door. You'll be amazed how quickly they will see to you
Originally posted by Willow
We have often had to wait ages for the bill. Irritating.
Reply ID 21256
I would do but Mr Willow would die of embarrassment!
Reply ID 21259
When the bill did eventually arrive, I did enquire, 'If it was still Thursday?'.
Reply ID 21318
Complain to head office and see if it gets through that the management at Hertford can't run the place properly. It used to be a great place to go for an evening with friends, a relaxing meal for two with a bottle of wine, or a place to take the family. A pizza may be a licence to print money but at least you know what you are getting in a PE. Now, it's hit or miss on the experience because of the poor service in that restaurant. Hertford needs new management if it's going to get my custom back.
Reply ID 21320
I find Quality Pizza from Ware are quite tasty... delivery only im afraid.
Reply ID 22041
Went to PE this evening - prompt service, food up to scratch, no complaints [:)]
Reply ID 23405
I went there last week for the first time in a few months. Food still good, service was pretty poor.
Reply ID 23407
In my experience, there is one particular member of staff who could do with some re-training.
Reply ID 23585
We had a birthday bash at PE in Hertford a while back. Some in our party waited 20 minutes after others had been served before getting their meals, some of the meals were wrong and we had to loudly ask for deserts/coffee. When the £130+ bill was presented, a service charge had been added which was promptly removed by a member of the group on the grounds that we had received little service of any note. In its defence I would say it is far better than Ask and a pleasant place at lunchtimes although far too noisey on busy evenings. I wish they would put the old fashioned Mozzarella salad back on the menu.
Reply ID 27716
We went to PE last week and the pizzas were great. We didn't have any problem with the service but I did notice on a couple of occasions that the staff were chatting while some other customers' pizzas were on the counter waiting to be served. I hate seeing that.
Reply ID 28648
The last time I was in PE (a few months back) I couldn't help noticing how the manager seemed unable to lift his feet whilst going to and fro through the restaurant - always past my chair. My conversation with Mrs Lemonjelly was interspersed with bursts of CHHHH, CHHHH, CHHHH, CHHHH... as he walked (or shuffled) past. Luckily, I found this more amusing than irritating, but that and the fact he looked like he'd slept in his clothes didn't present a very professional image to PE's customers.
Reply ID 29306
Mrs LJ and myself went back to Pizza Express on Sunday night and had a very nice meal. The service was very prompt and the food excellent. Being a Sunday night it wasn't very busy, which probably helped and there was no manager scuffing his shoes across the floor (see previous post) - in fact, the chef seemed to be in charge.
Reply ID 29308
We must have been there at the same time!
Reply ID 33006
Went to PE last night. It was very busy but we (2 of us) were seated promptly and served quickly and very well by one particularly attentive waitress. We were sitting quite close to the food preparation area and could see the waiters collecting everything. I watched as our waitress took the time to add garnishes and balsamic syrup etc to the food, something her colleagues rarely did. She also got our order in ahead of a big party so we wouldn't have to wait ages. I can't think of anything worse than working in a place like this, especially over the Xmas period and it was refreshing to see someone going the extra mile despite all the pressures and (probably) fairly dismal pay. Not sure I can or should mention her name (admin?) but well done anyway. Happy New Year everyone! [:)]
Reply ID 33252
Went to PE twice over the Christmas/New Year period - both during busy times. Must agree with everything dytter said. Must have had the same waitress.
Reply ID 33257
Sounds like things have improved since my first post, six months ago. Hopefully this means that everyone has been fully trained up and the manager is on the ball.
Reply ID 33410
OK. Just returned from PE and have to say that service - and food - was excellent. Our waitress - Kerry, according to the bill - couldn't have been better in any respect, so we gave her a big gratuity and walked home very happy people.
Reply ID 34933
We went to PE this evening & the food & service was very good :O)
Reply ID 35131
I have to say, the best thing about PE, apart from the food, is the beautiful waitresses, yum yum! :)
Reply ID 35157
I tried to go last week on Wednesday but again couldn't get a table for 2, despite there being one free - I asked what was happening with that table if you can't book as there was no one waiting. Apparently you can't book, but you can put your name down then go to Baroosh for a drink and they will call you and hold the table when it comes free (it seemed when I asked) for an unspecified amount of time. I pointed out this was surely like booking but they didn't get the point! Will maybe have to do his myself to get a table next time [:D] ! Went to Ask as too hungry to wait 30 minutes for table - Ask was nice. It didn't inspire me to go back to PE soon!
Reply ID 36665
quote:Something tells me that he likes the waitresses [;)] Aesthetics aside, I've always found the staff to be helpful & friendly. Once, they even changed a pizza for me just because I didn't like it. There was nothing wrong with the food, it just wasn't to my taste. They've always bent over backwards for me (easy simcut! [:p]) However, I've had some very bad service in PE when they have been busy. Once, a particularly drunk and obnoxious PE customer offered to fight me, but that's another story. The staff were very apologetic about that, although I suspect that they actually found it quite funny [:)]
- Not to mention the female waitresses are foxy as well (phwoarrr!!!) - I have to say, the best thing about PE, apart from the food, is the beautiful waitresses, yum yum! :)
Reply ID 36730
We use P.E regularly after work (as it's next door!) The pizza is good, service 90% good, and friendly. One gripe is the bloody awful noise of dumping the dirty dishes into the dumb waiter.
Reply ID 36735
I would rather Pizza Hut come to town!
Reply ID 36770
quote:I think the two can happily coexist. The Pizza Hut standard is the American 'thick, greasy dough' variety, while Pizza Express is closer to the more authentic Italian type. Both have their merits.
I would rather Pizza Hut come to town!
Reply ID 42323
We ate here last night and I thought the pizza & dough balls were excellent as usual. Service was fast & friendly, with my only gripe being the noise of the dishes being cleaned away in the kitchen. It was really busy too, so PE is still going strong.
Reply ID 42442
After all my previous gripes about this place, we have returned and had a very good meal in there a couple of weeks ago, with excellent service from all the staff. Of course, the place does get very noisey but that is something you have to accept in a PE due to its decor and customer base.
Reply ID 42443
quote:Would you like to explain that?
Originally posted by 2929paul
...and customer base.
Reply ID 42458
quote:Young familes, which means, from time to time, excitable children; groups of 16-25 year olds celebrating something in a fun but necessarily noisy manner; groups of older/mixed age groups celebrating something in a fun but noisy manner; as well as couples and friends out to have a relaxed meal. And stroppy gits like me and you.[:)] Different to Lussmans, for example.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Would you like to explain that?
Originally posted by 2929paul
...and customer base.
Reply ID 42459
I find the acoustics in Lussmann's is dreadful. In Pizza Express it depends which section you sit in. There were quite alot of groups of 18/19 year-olds (my estimate) when we went a couple of weeks ago - I assume because it's the end of exams.
Reply ID 42470
Jeremy and his other half who used to run the White Hart are involved in PE now or I assume running it? The service appears to have improved since this. I don't think you can compare it with Pizza Hut which as previously stated is stodgy ****e. I have been to Italy several times and Pizza Express do a reasonable imitation of authentic Italian in my humble opinion.
Reply ID 42473
quote:Wrapper, you actually know the manageress of PE, she is one of our customers. Next time you are in I will let you know who it is.
Originally posted by Wrapper
Jeremy and his other half who used to run the White Hart are involved in PE now or I assume running it? The service appears to have improved since this. I don't think you can compare it with Pizza Hut which as previously stated is stodgy ****e. I have been to Italy several times and Pizza Express do a reasonable imitation of authentic Italian in my humble opinion.
Reply ID 42476
quote:not in mine
Originally posted by Wrapper
Jeremy and his other half who used to run the White Hart are involved in PE now or I assume running it? The service appears to have improved since this. I don't think you can compare it with Pizza Hut which as previously stated is stodgy ****e. I have been to Italy several times and Pizza Express do a reasonable imitation of authentic Italian in my humble opinion.
Reply ID 42532
Okey Cokey Rooster. How many times have you tried recently Justin?
Reply ID 42534
quote:I think that of the branded restaurant groups, STRADA do a far better job of trying to be authentic italian. Far better value too, sadly, Hitchin is our closest.
Originally posted by Wrapper
Okey Cokey Rooster. How many times have you tried recently Justin?
Reply ID 58150
Hooray for Pizza Express at the moment! great staff who are very child friendly! Not sure we miss you anymore Cafe Uno!
Reply ID 59720
Printable voucher 2 for 1 be quick only a week left. http://www.pizzaexpressoffers.co.uk/
Reply ID 59721
quote:Oh B*gger*tions! Every time we have tried to use this, the place has been packed with people using the same voucher offer and we couln't get a table without a long wait. Guess we will be eating elswhere again this week .
Originally posted by Richie
Printable voucher 2 for 1 be quick only a week left. http://www.pizzaexpressoffers.co.uk/
Reply ID 59722
why dont you just turn up at 7:30pm and leave your number, then go for a drink in Baroosh. They give you a call when a table is free and hold it for 15 mins. That's what we did lasy Thursday. We were told there would be at least 90mins wait but we were back in there within 45mins after getting the call.
Reply ID 59723
quote:What a cracking idea - thanks for the tip. [:)]
Originally posted by thefair1973
why dont you just turn up at 7:30pm and leave your number, then go for a drink in Baroosh. They give you a call when a table is free and hold it for 15 mins. That's what we did lasy Thursday. We were told there would be at least 90mins wait but we were back in there within 45mins after getting the call.
Reply ID 59772
quote:Sounds like a good idea to me, we'll give it a try. Thanks [:)]
Originally posted by thefair1973
why dont you just turn up at 7:30pm and leave your number, then go for a drink in Baroosh. They give you a call when a table is free and hold it for 15 mins. That's what we did lasy Thursday. We were told there would be at least 90mins wait but we were back in there within 45mins after getting the call.
Reply ID 72285
Has anyone managed to book a table at Pizza Express in the last couple of weeks ? Used to be able to book in advance easily for larger parties. However, lately all my requests have been turned down by the person who answers the phone. Is this a change of policy. A friend tried to book a kids party - middle of the afternoon - mid week - hardly the busiest of times and gave up. They went to Ask instead. I tried to book a table on Sunday anytime from 12pm thru 5pm - apparently no free tables all afternoon??? So we went to Ask instead - who were very helpful. Is this a change of policy? If so Ask will be seeing a lot more of my family and I will give up on Pizza Express.
Reply ID 72286
Ask and Pizza Express are the same company
Reply ID 72287
quote:I understand that they only take lunchtime weekend bookings. That said when I tried to book the other Sunday for an evening meal, they told me they didn't take bookings for the evening and it wouldn't be busy. A take-out order for 25 pizzas had obviously caused a backlog and it was busy but they had set aside a table for us.
Originally posted by theadmans
Has anyone managed to book a table at Pizza Express in the last couple of weeks ?
Reply ID 72288
quote:You are right - I did not realize that. Should have guessed by the highly similar menus / pricing etc. At least I was able to book a table much easier at Ask.
Originally posted by Steve
Ask and Pizza Express are the same company
Reply ID 78771
Never the most exciting of restaurants but normally reliable for an evening out. (We were even getting to know the woman who regularly served us.) However it seems to have taken a bit of a dive lately. They have crammed in loads of additional tables (in rows - like schools dinners) and it is so horrendously noisy that you can't hear yourself think, let alone carry out a normal conversation. Tip; Avoid the back room like the plague if you treasure you eardrums! :(
Reply ID 78772
quote:I've always found them quite receptive to feedback http://www.pizzaexpress.com/our-service/talk-to-us.aspx?feedback=negative
Originally posted by Titus Groan
Never the most exciting of restaurants but normally reliable for an evening out. (We were even getting to know the woman who regularly served us.) However it seems to have taken a bit of a dive lately. They have crammed in loads of additional tables (in rows - like schools dinners) and it is so horrendously noisy that you can't hear yourself think, let alone carry out a normal conversation. Tip; Avoid the back room like the plague if you treasure you eardrums! :(
Reply ID 78812
quote:Already done. I'm awaiting their reply.
Originally posted by Stevequote:I've always found them quite receptive to feedback http://www.pizzaexpress.com/our-service/talk-to-us.aspx?feedback=negative
Originally posted by Titus Groan
Never the most exciting of restaurants but normally reliable for an evening out. (We were even getting to know the woman who regularly served us.) However it seems to have taken a bit of a dive lately. They have crammed in loads of additional tables (in rows - like schools dinners) and it is so horrendously noisy that you can't hear yourself think, let alone carry out a normal conversation. Tip; Avoid the back room like the plague if you treasure you eardrums! :(
Reply ID 78839
quote:That would seem to be the opposite to what the company is trialling..... http://futureexpress.co.uk/
Originally posted by Titus Groan
Never the most exciting of restaurants but normally reliable for an evening out. (We were even getting to know the woman who regularly served us.) However it seems to have taken a bit of a dive lately. They have crammed in loads of additional tables (in rows - like schools dinners) and it is so horrendously noisy that you can't hear yourself think, let alone carry out a normal conversation. Tip; Avoid the back room like the plague if you treasure you eardrums! :(
Reply ID 78846
crikey yes isnt it noisy! Love the nosh there and was in back room recently where i got engaged, it quietened down then and got a round of applause! of course i wouldnt recommend getting engaged just for some peace!
Reply ID 78849
quote:
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:That would seem to be the opposite to what the company is trialling..... Looks like an American Diner ?? http://futureexpress.co.uk/
Originally posted by Titus Groan
Never the most exciting of restaurants but normally reliable for an evening out. (We were even getting to know the woman who regularly served us.) However it seems to have taken a bit of a dive lately. They have crammed in loads of additional tables (in rows - like schools dinners) and it is so horrendously noisy that you can't hear yourself think, let alone carry out a normal conversation. Tip; Avoid the back room like the plague if you treasure you eardrums! :(