PizzaExpress needs little introduction — it’s one of Britain’s best-loved pizza names, founded in London’s Soho back in 1965 and now a familiar fixture of high streets and leisure complexes up and down the country. This branch sits inside Bournemouth’s BH2 Leisure complex, bringing the chain’s freshly made, cooked-in-front-of-you pizzas to the heart of the town centre, a short walk from the seafront.
The food
The heart of the menu is, of course, the pizza — hand-stretched and baked to order. You can choose between the thin, crispy Romana base and the smaller, slightly deeper Classic, topped with long-running favourites such as the fiery American Hot, the spiced Sloppy Giuseppe and the goat’s-cheese Padana. Meals tend to start with the chain’s signature dough balls, served warm with a dip, and there are pasta dishes, salads, sharing starters and desserts to round things out.
Dietary needs are well catered for. PizzaExpress has built up a solid vegan range over the years, offers gluten-free bases, and keeps plenty of vegetarian choices on the menu, with a children’s menu for younger diners too. Because recipes, ranges and prices change from time to time, it’s worth checking the current menu on the restaurant’s website — and flagging any allergies with staff — before you order.
The setting
The BH2 branch has more character than a typical chain unit. The complex was built on the site of Bournemouth’s former bus and coach station, and the restaurant leans into that heritage with Pop Art on the walls and vintage signage listing old bus destinations, a nod to what stood here before. Outside, there’s a covered dining area strung with festoon lighting and softened by greenery, which makes a pleasant spot on a warmer evening.
Inside, the mood is bright, casual and family-friendly, with the open-kitchen theatre of pizzaiolos working the counter. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a quick bite, a catch-up with friends or a relaxed family meal.
Where it is
You’ll find PizzaExpress at Unit LG5 in the BH2 Leisure complex on Exeter Crescent (BH2 5DD), right in the centre of Bournemouth and directly alongside the Odeon cinema — which makes it a natural choice for dinner before or after a film. The Lower Gardens, the pier and the beach are all within a short, mostly downhill stroll, and the town’s main shops and bus routes are close at hand. The complex has its own multi-storey car park, with more public car parks nearby.
Good to know
This is dependable, crowd-pleasing casual dining rather than a special-occasion restaurant, and prices sit firmly in the affordable, everyday bracket. You can usually walk in off-peak, but weekends, holidays and busy cinema nights fill up, so booking ahead online is sensible — especially for groups. If you’d rather eat at home, delivery and takeaway are available through the usual apps. For current opening hours, the full menu and to reserve a table, contact PizzaExpress directly.
For more places to eat across the town, browse the rest of our food & drink guide — and pair a visit with time on the beach or the gardens just down the hill.