PIZZAEXPRESS will open the doors to its home at The Broadway in Bradford at 11:30am today, and is among the first in the UK to showcase the new ‘test and learn’ brand proposition, which launched earlier this year.

A portrait of founder Peter Boizot will take pride of place in the pizzeria, in celebration of the man who first introduced pizza to the UK in 1965.

The new "theatre" kitchen takes centre-stage at the heart of the pizzeria, which will allow diners to watch the expert pizzaiolos at work as they flare the dough.

TOP STORIES:

PizzaExpress Bradford will open with the pizzeria’s summer menu, which sees three new pizzas join the family.

Romana fans can enjoy the Fungi di Bosco or the Roasted Veg & Ricotta pizza, while those lusting for a Leggera will welcome the Vegan Roasted Veg Special.

The pizzeria’s all-new Italian Tomato Dip will replace passata on these new additions.

Ryan Shaw, PizzaExpress Bradford's Pizzeria Manager said: "We’re excited to introduce the people of Bradford to our brand-new pizzeria at The Broadway.

"It showcases the kitchen at its heart, designed to allow our customers to watch our talented pizzaiolos freshly handmake their pizza to order.

"We’re offering our superfans* a glass of fizz on the house this August, so come and raise a glass to celebrate ‘Good times. Together’ with us in our new home!”

People out and about around the Broadway yesterday lunchtime were excited about the imminent opening of the restaurant.

Anne and Geoff, from Heaton, said: "We go to the one in Ilkley usually and think they're the best pizzas you can get.

"We often eat at St George's Hall or the Alhambra when we see shows there but they're often too full to get in so we'll be here to eat now as well."

The pair admitted it was nice to have some positive commercial news in the city, saying: "Bradford lacks good eating places and it needs money spent on it like Leeds.

"The Broadway is great but there are empty shops in there now and on Darley Street.

"Bradford needs business people to come in (like at PizzaExpress) and get people into the city."

John Fitzpatrick was with his two children, Francesca and John. He enthused: "We go next door to The Light Cinema a lot and the kids love pizzas so if we're in town, this will be great.

"There's plenty of choice here too."

Finally, Caroline Craig was with her two youngsters, Finlay and Ella.

She said: "There's a lot of new restaurants opening in Bradford now and this one is very handy.

"We'll certainly come in during the school holidays, and I can have a glass of fizz!"

*Free glass of fizz offer available to those signed up to the database with Bradford listed as their favourite pizzeria, or those that present the voucher on arrival at the pizzeria.