On Tuesday night, the lovely staff at Pizza Express at Corn Exchange in Manchester City Centre put on a mouthwatering display for the VIVA girls as they showcased their Autumn menu and by god, it did not disappoint.

On arrival guests were seated and guided through the new dishes by a member of the team, whose speech, of what was to come on the new autumn menu, left every person with an incredible hunger in their bellies.

The new autumn menu is offering more gluten free options as they feel this has become more increasingly popular and hopefully cater for a bigger audience.

The open plan design of the Corn Exchange restaurant adds to the experience and relaxing atmosphere of the place as if you are in your own kitchen at home.

First up to grace the tables, the classic dough balls with a twist- risotto balls with mozzarella and ‘nduja sausage paired with rocket and pesto. A starter to spice up those colder nights.

Following on with more classics, a take on the Italian special, beef and porcini mushroom bolognese.  Just one of the new pasta dishes on offer as well as the Sicilian-inspired broad bean rigatoni, a new vegetarian dish on offer.

A range of new pizza dishes were also available on the night, two new Romana’s which surprisingly the veggie Caponata came out on top in the opinion polls.

The new Berry Mojito Royale was presented to us on entry and from then on the glass was never half empty, the staff were on the ball in terms of ensuring you were catered for your every need and providing any of the new selections of drinks, the other option being a Sipsmith Gin and Fever-Tree tonic.

The show stopper of the night was the brand spanking new desserts, a take an old favourite the Biscoff biscuits, made into a delicious cheesecake exclusively at Pizza Express.

Another loveable classic added to the menu is the sticky toffee bundt cake, an absolute treat to end the night on a high note, especially when the best waiter drops a second on the table!

Overall the icing on the cake was the decoration of the restaurant, the Manchester bee.

With regards to the recent disastrous events, the bee decor represents the community feel and added to the homely feel of the restaurant, making this recent add on, along with the food very heart warming.

Overall VIVA would rate this new menu a 4.5/5!

WORDS BY TILLY MARSH 

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