Pizza Express balances walk-in lunch service with evening dinner hours, and their holiday schedule often differs from regular weekday openings. If you are trying to plan a meal around the Pizza Express opening breakfast lunch and holiday hours, you have probably noticed that times change depending on the season and the specific location.
Most people assume that Pizza Express opens early for breakfast, but that is rarely the case. The chain focuses on lunch and dinner service, with a few locations offering a limited morning menu. Here is what you need to know before you head out the door.
Pizza Express Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Pizza Express does not operate a standard breakfast service across all stores. Instead, the opening times are split into two main blocks: lunch and dinner. Holiday hours are almost always different, so checking the local store page is the safest move.
Standard Weekday Opening Times
On a normal Monday through Thursday, most Pizza Express locations open their doors around 11:30 AM. This gives you a solid window for a late morning or early afternoon meal. The kitchen usually stops taking orders around 10:00 PM, but the bar might stay open a little longer.
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Weekend Brunch And Lunch Service
Saturday and Sunday see a slightly earlier opening, often at 11:00 AM. Some city center branches offer a weekend brunch menu that runs until 12:00 PM. This is not a full breakfast spread, but you can grab a pastry or a coffee alongside your pizza order.
Holiday Schedule And Seasonal Changes
Holiday hours are where things get tricky. On Christmas Eve, many stores close by 6:00 PM. Christmas Day is almost always closed, and Boxing Day often runs a reduced schedule from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. New Year’s Eve might extend hours to 1:00 AM, but this is not guaranteed.
Bank holidays are another area of confusion. On a public holiday, Pizza Express often operates on a Sunday timetable. That means an 11:00 AM opening and a 9:30 PM close. However, some tourist-heavy locations keep normal weekday hours.
How To Check Your Local Store Hours
You should never rely on memory for holiday openings. The best way to confirm is to use the official store locator on the Pizza Express website. Enter your postcode, and the page will show you the exact times for that specific branch.
- Go to the Pizza Express website and click on “Find a Restaurant”.
- Type in your postcode or city name.
- Select your local store from the list.
- Look for the “Opening Hours” tab at the bottom of the page.
- Check the notes for any holiday adjustments.
Breakfast Availability At Select Locations
There is a small number of Pizza Express branches that do serve breakfast. These are usually located in airports, train stations, or large shopping centers. If you are at Heathrow or a big retail park, you might find a 7:00 AM opening time. The breakfast menu is simple, offering items like porridge, toast, and full English breakfasts.
Do not assume that your local high street branch offers this. The breakfast trial was tested in a few locations, but it has not rolled out nationwide. If breakfast is a priority, call the store directly the day before.
Peak Hours And Wait Times
Lunch service gets busy between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, especially on weekends. Dinner rush starts around 6:30 PM and lasts until 8:30 PM. If you want a quiet meal, aim for 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM in the afternoon. This is when the kitchen is less crowded and service is faster.
Delivery And Takeaway Hours
Delivery hours are not the same as dine-in hours. Most locations start taking delivery orders at 11:30 AM and stop around 10:30 PM. On holidays, delivery might stop an hour earlier than the restaurant closing time. You can check this on third-party apps, but the official website is more accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pizza Express Serve Breakfast Every Day?
No. Only select locations in airports and shopping centers serve breakfast. Regular high street branches open at 11:30 AM and do not offer a morning menu.
What Time Does Pizza Express Open On Sundays?
Most locations open at 11:00 AM on Sunday and close by 9:30 PM. This is a reduced schedule compared to Friday and Saturday nights.
Are Pizza Express Hours Different On Bank Holidays?
Yes, bank holidays usually follow a Sunday timetable. Some central London branches might keep normal hours, but it is best to check the store locator.
Is Pizza Express Open On Christmas Day?
Almost all locations are closed on Christmas Day. A few hotels with attached branches might open, but this is very rare.
Can I Get A Full English Breakfast At Pizza Express?
Only at the limited breakfast locations. The menu is not available everywhere, so call ahead to confirm.
Before you leave, double-check the hours on the official site. Holiday schedules change every year, and a quick look saves you from a wasted trip. If you are planning a group meal, it is also worth booking a table online to avoid the rush.