Why I think a chain restaurant like Pizza Express deserves Michelin chef’s praise

Marcus Wareing sent veritable shockwaves through the culinary establishment when he professed his love for Pizza Express’s American Hot pizza.

During an interview with TikTok influencer Jesse Burgess, Wareing was quizzed about his favourite pizza.

Wareing, who appeared to be conscious that his answer may be controversial, said: “This one is easy, but you’re not going to like the answer.

“Pizza Express, I know, I know.

“I still eat the same pizza I was eating for the past 20 years, American Hot, I love it.

“Romana, a little bit of extra chilli, I love it.

“It’s got to be a Romana base.”

The chef appeared to compliment the pizza chain’s consistency when he said: “You know, every time I go, it’s cooked the same.”

His comments were pored over, with many appearing to take issue with the fact that he liked food from a chain restaurant.

Which pizza did Marcus Wareing rate?

American Hot One on Romana base is Wareing’s favourite pizza.

It is topped with ‘paprika packed’ pepperoni for a deep smoky flavour and loaded with mozzarella, tomato and a choice of hot green or jalapeño peppers.

The price on the Derby branch website is £16.25.

A Pizza Express spokesperson said: “Our iconic American Hot has long been a favourite with customers - and now a Michelin chef, too!

“There will always be a marble table with Marcus’ name on it at Pizza Express.”

Who is Marcus Wareing

Marcus Wareing is a critically-acclaimed chef, restaurateur and author of nine cookbooks who is frequently seen on MasterChef: The Professionals where he acts as judge and mentor to the next generation of British cookery talent.

Since opening in 2008, his self-titled restaurant Marcus - at the five-star luxury Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge - has received numerous accolades including one Michelin star, 5 AA Rosettes, Hardens’ Best Restaurant of the Year and Time Out’s Restaurant of the Year.

Why did Marcus Wareing’s comments raise eyebrows?

Wareing’s comments were perhaps construed as controversial, not because what he said was wrong - Pizza Express has its dedicated fanbase who totally dig their pizzas - but because of who he is.

I know it is wrong to assume - and trust me, I am working on this - however it is somewhat difficult to imagine someone of Wareing’s stature, who has some of the best food in the world available to him, to be a fan of a chain pizza.

I love good food, regardless of who cooks it, and where.

This is why I understand the reasoning behind Marcus Wareing throwing his support behind Pizza Express.

I have visited Pizza Express around nine times in my entire life.

Unless I consulted my Instagram photos where I usually drop a quick post of what I have eaten, I couldn’t tell you what I ate at Pizza Express.

This is because nothing stood out to me.

The food at Pizza Express isn’t necessarily good or bad, it’s just there.

Reflecting on Wareing’s consistency praise, I have to agree that if I know a restaurant serves consistently decent food, then that is an added reason for me to patronise the place.

When I go to my favourite restaurant, that has been my go-to for years, and it serves say four sub-par or unenjoyable meals in a row (in successive visits over a few weeks, not all in one hit), I do feel let down.

With Pizza Express, I find it serves a purpose of being a decent place to eat that serves OK food.

Another positive about Pizza Express is that it is easily accessible and that it caters very easily to varying diets.

This is not to say that independents don’t cater to varying diets, because they do.

Some may disagree, however this is my personal opinion, that I find it easier if dining in a large group, to dine at a chain that has more manpower and bandwidth to cater for multiple dietary amendments.

I visit the Bolton Food Festival every year, and when I meet up with family, there’s around 10 of us.

There are multiple diets to consider, including vegan, vegetarian, histamine intolerances and more, which is why Pizza Express is usually the place where we usually land for a family get-together meal.

I was curious what people thought about Pizza Express, so I ran a highly unscientific poll on Instagram.

Of the participants polled, 54 per cent thought there were better independent pizza restaurants out there, 27 per cent said they loved Pizza Express, and 18 per cent were not really bothered about Pizza Express and wouldn’t mind dining there.

My pizza takeaway

Pizza Express has its fans.

It also has its detractors.

If there’s the two of us dining out, me and my husband will invariably choose an independent restaurant.

But there is nothing wrong with dining at Pizza Express - life is too short to be angry about pizza.

What do you think? Email [email protected]