When Pizza Express unveils its festive menu, expectations naturally lean towards traditional flavours. This year, however, the chain has taken a decidedly bold approach, with one particular pizza creation causing a stir.
Journalist Jacob Antigha got an early taste of the new offerings on 20th November 2025, and his experience was defined by surprising successes and a few notable misfires.
A Festive Start: Dough Balls and Pancetta
The culinary journey began with the Dough Balls in Blankets. Antigha noted a significant change: the dough balls are now almost double their usual size. Wrapped in crisp pancetta, they acted as perfect sponges for flavour. A honey and mustard dip provided a sweet and sharp counterpoint. While the classic sausage element of pigs in blankets was missed, the dish was deemed a successful and satisfying starter.
The Main Event: Pizzas That Defy Convention
The centrepiece of the menu, and the item that most challenged preconceptions, was the Cola-Glazed Ham Hock Romana. This pizza abandons the traditional tomato base in favour of a creamy béchamel sauce, a gamble that Antigha confirmed absolutely works.
The pizza is topped with a mix of cola-glazed ham, goat's cheese, mozzarella, and apricot chutney. Antigha was particularly impressed by the red onion, describing it as some of the best he has ever had on a pizza. He urged diners to have faith in the unusual-sounding combination, promising a rewarding experience for the taste buds.
Another standout was the Prawn Thermidor Romana. Featuring a bisque-style sauce and generous prawns, it was praised for its light feel, making it a suitable lunch option, albeit perhaps more suited to summer than a winter feast. A squeeze of lemon was highlighted as a crucial finishing touch.
Not every pizza reached the same high standard. The Mushroom & Truffle Romana was anticipated to be a showstopper but ultimately disappointed. With a mushroom-and-truffle purée base, large mushroom chunks, and ample truffle oil, the flavours competed rather than complemented, resulting in an oily and unbalanced dish.
A Sweet Festive Finale
The meal concluded on a high note with the returning favourite, the Loaded Snowball Dough Balls. These sweet dough balls, served with a white chocolate sauce, cinnamon dusting, icing sugar, and a rich white chocolate dip, were reportedly eaten with dangerous speed. The treat provided a confident and indulgent end to the festive meal.
Overall, Jacob Antigha found that Pizza Express's Christmas menu hits the mark more often than not. While the Mushroom & Truffle pizza serves as a reminder that not every innovation succeeds, triumphs like the cola-glazed ham hock pizza show real flavour ambition. For those seeking a delivery-friendly seasonal indulgence that dares to be different, this menu presents a compelling case.
