PizzaExpress Live

Music, tricks and lots of pie at this new brunch

Not to be mistaken for the long-serving JLT outpost Jazz@PizzaExpress, PizzaExpress Live is a new serving of pie-meets-music located in Business Bay.

Their recently launched Fork It brunch promises a four-hour package of unlimited beverages, a starter buffet, a la carte main and set dessert, alongside live music, a DJ and an illusionist.

The brunch kicked off with dough balls, cold meats and endless plates of salad and antipasti. It’s informal finger food done to a high standard. For mains, it’s a simple choice of six dishes and a short rib with risotto was a table-wide hit, while a huge porcini mushroom pizza drizzled with truffle oil impressed all guests.

Half way through brunch, the live music kicked in – first up was a flute player, who cleverly worked alongside a DJ, and then it was the turn of an acoustic singer who also beatboxes, and played the trumpet and guitar while roaming the tables. The roaming illusionist was also on hand to keep guests entertained.

Dessert is the only thing that disappointed, with a trio of three mouthfuls of slightly dry carrot cake, chocolate cake and cheesecake served almost as an afterthought at the end. We’d rather they hadn’t bothered; our Italian food coma had already taken over.

PizzaExpress Live, Doubletree By Hilton Bay Square, Business Bay, Dubai, Fri 1pm to 5pm. Dhs199 soft, Dhs299 house, Dhs349 premium. Tel: (04) 5665722. Metro: Business Bay. pizzaexpress.ae