PizzaExpress in Leeds Dock has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment, giving the beloved restaurant a vibrant new look. The refreshed interior enhances the already welcoming and lively atmosphere, which now perfectly complements an exciting new menu. To celebrate these exciting new changes, PizzaExpress is offering a special deal: kids can eat FREE with any pizza or main dish, available everyday until Sunday 1 September.

To mark the launch of their newly refurbished restaurant, we caught up with Luke, the General Manager at PizzaExpress in Leeds Dock, to ask him a few questions about her experience and what guests can look forward to when visiting.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, and how did you end up at PizzaExpress at Leeds Dock?

A. I’ve worked at PizzaExpress for nearly 10 years and I absolutely love it! I grew up in Sheffield, and it was during my travels to Leeds for university that I discovered a position at PizzaExpress. Since then, I haven’t looked back!

Q. How do you ensure that every customer has a memorable dining experience at your restaurant?

A. At PizzaExpress, we’re passionate about delivering incredible dining experiences with flair. Whether we’re serving our regular customers or those visiting us for the first time, we aim to make everyone’s time at PizzaExpress Leeds Dock enjoyable – from the service to the food.

Whether it’s birthdays, first dates, or promotions, our fans visit PizzaExpress for these special moments, and we feel privileged to be part of them. Our dedicated front-of-house and back-of-house teams, with many years of experience between us, are committed to our customers’ needs and spreading the joy of delicious pizza and good times!

Q. What are your personal favourite dishes on the PizzaExpress menu, and why?

A. I have three favourites: the American Hottest, because who doesn’t enjoy a bit of spice in their life! Another favourite is the Chicken Italiano – a delightful combination of chicken, fresh tomatoes and spinach all wrapped up in one amazing calzone.

Finally, there’s the ever-popular Pollo Pesto. This signature pasta dish features chicken, mushrooms and red onion baked in a rich and creamy béchamel and pesto sauce – a comforting and heart-warming dish that I always return to.

Q. How would you describe the PizzaExpress restaurant at Leeds Dock in three words?

A. Welcoming, lively and uplifting!

Q. Can you tell us more about the new summer menu and what menu items everyone must try?

A. To celebrate summer, we’ve introduced a delicious menu of seasonal dishes – from flavoursome salads to a new twist on the classic dynamite dough balls. Additionally, we’ve added two indulgent new desserts that are perfect for the warmer months. Here are some of the highlight dishes you can enjoy at our restaurant:

• • Piccolo Creamy Pesto: A pasta creation with creamy béchamel sauce, basil and pine kernel pesto.
  • Dynamite Dough Balls: A fiery take on the iconic dough balls, coated in a spicy chilli, garlic, basil salsa and cooled with PizzaExpress’ famous garlic and herb dip. Dough balls fans will be thrilled with this returning favourite.
  • Vegan Buddha Bowl: A vibrant mix of grains, balsamic roasted beetroot, roasted and fresh tomatoes, spinach and rocket, topped with balsamic dressing, hummus and spiced toasted seeds. This dish adds to PizzaExpress’s menu, which is already over 50% vegan or vegetarian.
  • Goat’s Cheese & Beetroot Buddha Bowl: This colourful salad features a vibrant buddha bowl base topped with tangy goat’s cheese and sweet beetroot.
  • Crispy Chicken Buddha Bowl: A hearty Buddha Bowl topped with succulent breaded chicken, leafy greens, toasted seeds and sundried tomatoes.
  • Carbonara PizzaExpress: A comforting dish with smoky pancetta, Gran Milano cheese, garlic oil and silky béchamel sauce – it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
  • Prawn Peperonata: A seafood twist on a classic pasta dish, featuring prawns in a tomato and garlic sauce with chilli flakes and roasted peppers, finished with fresh parsley.
  • Biscoff Billionaire Sundae: A decadent dessert made with Biscoff’s signature lotus biscuits and sauce, creamy vanilla and salted caramel gelato, topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream – a delicious finale to any meal.
  • Summer Berry and White Chocolate Sundae: A delightful combination of smooth vanilla gelato, tangy mixed berries and a sweet berry coulis, topped with whipped cream and white chocolate curls – a perfect blend of sweet and sharp.

PizzaExpress at Leeds Dock is a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring the area. With its vibrant new look and mouth-watering menu, it’s the perfect place to relax and refuel. Whether you’re indulging in their brand new spicy dynamite dough balls or a enjoying their fresh vegan buddha bowl, there’s something for every Italian-food lover!

For more information, visit the PizzaExpress website here.