On the comedown from an Amazing Belfast Culture Night why not take the time to enjoy some Italian culture - and there's no better place than a new Pizza Express! (and there's two of them)
(you'd be forgiven for thinking this was Rome - it isn't, it's actually our very own St Anne's Square)
So myself, along with a number of other bloggers and media folk were lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the two new Pizza Express Venues in Belfast - Ballyhackamore and St Anne's. Our adventure began at PE (Pizza Express) Bedford Street in Belfast where we had a champagne reception and a selection of delicious canopies before boarding the 'Pizza Express' and heading to our first stop! Have a wee nosey at some of the canopies below - I even enjoyed the Calamari...
(ok,the fact that the bus was called 'The Pizza Express' was something I enjoyed more than most)
So after enjoying a few Peroni, 1 or 2 glasses of champagne and a plethora of mini-bites I boarded The Pizza Express and made the short trip to the C.S Lewis inspired PE Ballyhackamore. Myself and Laurie sat with Anna, better known as @blossomingbirds and her husband Colin, an old footballing pal who has also taken up the blogging and can be found @fatherofthebirds. He actually came up with the name for this Blog. Cheers dude! Anyway, PE Ballyhackamore was memorable for three reasons;
1. The decor
2. Wine-Gate
3. I'm a Top Tosser
We pulled up and disembarked (big word) the bus - we headed into the restaurant and straight away the C.S Lewis theme was evident - The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe had definitely inspired the decor - panelled Wardrobe doors on the walls and a stunning book page collage were my two favourite pieces - that along with the cool roof made for a contemporary and relaxing dining space - I personally loved the decor but I did think the tables were a little crammed together...which leads to WineGate - take a moment to take in the new restaurant.
Wine Gate (I had a Howler)
So as we were being served a crazy mix of pizza, pasta and garlic breads I spotted a waitress carrying a funky looking pizza, really authentic looking with a mountain of rocket, so I said, before you go around offering slices could I grab a quick pic - 'Of course she said' and she set it down on my table - now if you've liked my Instagram you will know that Conor is found of a wee overhead photo... Can you see where this is going yet?
(what you read next is in direct correlation to this pizza looking too damn good)
So I rather eagerly stood up to take my photo, as I did a young waiter (Who I think might have been working his first shift...I felt wick) walked behind me, my shoulder, inadvertently hit/brushed/somehow altered the direction and trajectory of his tray, which was home to 8 glasses of red wine - I heard a sudden shatter of glass, four to six gasps, one woman fainted (joke)... I cautiously, more cautiously than I stood up, turned around to see the devastation I had caused - (remember when I said the tables were too close?)
I had almost drowned another guest - a white haired man (hair now slightly pink in colour) was drenched, his pizza ruined, his shirt unwearable, I did not know what to do - I felt eyes on me, do I say something? do I sit? do I joke? I didn't joke - I apologised and sat down - below is a visual representation of what I saw when I turned round...
Anyway, after almost murdering someone there was a chance for redemption - a dough tossing competition - I've already been a tosser once tonight, why not try and win at it, well I did and I won a bottle of champagne which I quickly donated to the gentleman I had drenched!
Quickly after that we again boarded The Pizza Express and headed back into Belfast - we arrived at PE St Anne's Square and were welcomed by the NI Junior Orchestra who played continuously while we enjoyed a fantastically disgraceful amount of mini desserts; from Cheesecakes to Salted Caramel Profiteroles there really was something for everyone.
Again the decor was most tasteful, much like the location and this Pizza Express like them all delivered on taste - I personally enjoyed the Ramona style pizzas which are thinner and crispier - I would definitely recommend this base to all! Overall I had a really great night, I hope I didn't ruin another guests but these things happen, great food as always Pizza Express - check out their website for fantastic offers and more importantly if you go please take care round the red wine!
Thanks as always to J Comms for the invite, their continued support and help to all local bloggers! Thank you!
Below are a few more pics for you to glance over...if you want
