Cheddar
Pizza Express

Pizza Express

198 Trinity Road, SW17 7HR, Wandsworth, United Kingdom

Wine • Pizza • Lunch • Italian


"Having eaten at this establish countless times before during my childhood, it seemed the perfect place to remedy the vestiges of alcohol in our system from the night before. Eagerly, my friends and I downloaded the Pizza Express app, a clever scheme by the restaurant to encourage students such as ourselves to visit the restaurant given the billion pound debt faced by the company. My friends both enjoyed a free dough ball dish for signing up whilst I refrained from ordering due to lack of appetite, saving my deals for another day. The food, as expected, was bog-standard, run-of-the-mill pizza express, food that we have all had before and will most likely have again. This was just about nice enough to justify the expenditure due to lack of proper competition in the area and the proximity of the restaurant. However, that being said, it was slightly sloppy, stodgy and lacking structure, typical to that of pizza express pizzas. No major complaints arose from the quality of the food as it was no different to that purchased usually from pizza express. However, our qualms with the experience arose from the mistreatment of our group by the staff. The attitude of staff was blunt in the settling of the bill, which had to be adjusted only once to include our offers on the app, necessitating the printing of a single extra receipt. This was met with frustration and disdain despite the fact that my friends had never used the app before and were unfamiliar with its operation. Given that my demographic, younger students who may not normally opt to eat there without the deals, is the target of these schemes, I was surprised by such shortness from the staff and at the different treatment given to young adults. That being said, the staff were, on the whole, very helpful. However, it is such a shame that only one waiter in particular ruined the experience over such a trivial issue. On the whole, the food was just about up to standard. However, we left with a bitter taste in our mouths and the desire to leave a review for the first time given that this behaviour was so out of order."

Bodega

Bodega

12 Bennett's Hill, Birmingham, B25RS, B2 5RE, United Kingdom

Mexican • Seafood • Fast Food • Vegetarian


"November 7, 2011 Halloween bonfire night are traditionally associated with being a whole lot of fun for kids. For me, however, it’s the perfect excuse for some food indulgence (like I need an excuse… Although I have been known to dress up in some weird and wonderful costumes and go out on the hunt for sweeties, this year my Halloween was a much more grown up affair as I celebrated Dia De Los Muertos with my good friend Sarah at Birmingham’s own little slice of South America, Bodega . Their event included a pop-up shop, a special cocktail and a healthy dose of delicious food. Whenever I frequent Bodega (and it happens a lot it takes me an age to decide what to eat. Do I play it safe with a tried and tested Burrito or do I dare try something new? This time, however, greed got the better of both of us, as we opted for the Bodega Selection platter with a selection of some of their best dishes, like Pork Carnitas Tacos, Patatas Bravas, Frijoles, Nachos, Albondigas Cubanas and Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas. Plus we got a side of sweet potato fries! I tucked into the Albondigas Cubanas first of all, tender and juicy beef meatballs in a deliciously rich red wine and tomato sauce, which were a flavour explosion in the mouth. Definitely gives Italian meatballs a run for their money! The patatas bravas in the same sauce were equally as impressive. Next up I tucked into the quesadillas which had the tiniest hint of spice, delicious flavour and stayed crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Just the right amount of cheese complimented the chicken and made the quesadillas surprisingly light. The nachos were a surefire winner, smothered in tomato salsa, fresh guacamole and sour cream topped with melted cheese. You can’t go wrong with that combination and these were definitely right. The Pork Carnitas Tacos were also really good, with succulent, spicy shredded pork in a soft shell taco. The biggest surprise for me though, were the Frijoles. Call me uncultured, but on paper"