News

PizzaExpress Tribute to Percy Bysshe Shelley

PizzaExpress Tribute to Percy Bysshe Shelley

23 July 2015 15:27 PM

143 years after radical writer and poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, drowned in a boating accident off the Gulf of Spezia, Peter Boizot opened the first Pizza Express in London`s Wardour Street after an inspirational trip to Italy from which he brought back a pizza oven from Naples and a chef from Sicily.

Now, the Horsham outlet of the chain which has 445 restaurants countrywide has re-opened after a total transformation which pays tribute to Shelley who was born and spent his formative years at Field Place, Warnham, just outside Horsham.

Each PizzaExpress restaurant is individually designed – often using well known places, people or historical events from the area as the basis. The interior of the Horsham restaurant has a range of collage artworks inspired by Shelley’s poetry and his story. The artworks combine pieces of text and imagery that give a contemporary interpretation of his work.

In 1892, while the world’s press celebrated the centenary of his birth, the only recognition given to Shelley by Horsham was a plaque placed in Horsham’s parish church. Things had improved by the bicentenary, but PizzaExpress`s gesture is bound to bring an awareness of Shelley`s connection to Horsham to a vast number of people over the years.

PizzaExpress has been dishing up fresh, handmade pizza at the Horsham restaurant since 1997. Built during the reign of James I, this beautiful Grade II listed building has original wooden beams.

There is also a charming patio garden to enjoy the summer menu which has plenty of new options, including even more low- calorie mains and desserts, a new range of premium pizzas, called Romana65, the return of some classic salads, the introduction of new salads, new gluten-free recipes and summery desserts.

Manager, Ugo Pendezza, said, “We have a friendly and enthusiastic team who are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful restaurant over a delicious pizza.”

Picture: The PizzaExpress team.




Tags: N/A