With hungry bambinos to keep fed, watered and well entertained, StyleNest recently headed to family favourite Pizza Express, in Jesmond. Based just outside Newcastle, in amongst the busy hub of Osborne Road, the restaurant is an urban retreat with friendly staff and spacious seating.
Entertainment began from the minute we sat down, as the children got stuck into the colouring pencils, stickers and puzzles already on the table. Clever extras such as these are always a big bonus, keeping kids from becoming wriggly while they wait. Not to mention the excitement of their very own pizza chef hat, as modelled by Daddy.
Re-launched last year with help from The Children’s Food Trust, Pizza Express’ Piccolo Menu for kids encourages little ones to choose fresh ingredients. The menu contains a ‘Create Your Own’ section, specifically designed for children to select extra ingredients which they may want to add to their meal. Our two went for the full three course option, enjoying Dough Balls, Margherita Pizza and Ice Cream Sundaes before finishing off with a Bambinoccino each. Not surprisingly, a contented sleep in the car followed shortly after.
The kids sorted, we could settle down to sample the menu ourselves, although it was a tough choice between all the tasty options on offer. We plumped for a sharing starter, the delicious Classic Italian Antipasto, of course pinching a few Piccolo Dough Balls on the sly. Next up, I chose the Rustichella pizza followed by an obligatory and extremely yummy Toffee Fudge Glory.
We left the restaurant laden with balloons and happy children, all full to the brim with tasty food.
During the holidays children aged 4- 11 can also partake in a Pizza Making Party, costing £11.95 per child. The party promises a Pizza Express mini chef transformation, games aplenty and a certificate to take home. Definitely another incentive to return…