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Feedback for Play Dough Hour at PizzaExpress Richmond - SPECIAL OFFER for all Mumsnetters (Richmond or not...)

18 replies

carriemumsnet · 19/10/2010 22:56

Thanks for attending the new Play Dough Hour at PizzaExpress in Richmond, held in advance of the new generation restaurant opening tomorrow. We hope you had a great time.

Please answer the following questions and share with other Mumsnetters what the event was like. Everyone who adds feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 of PizzaExpress vouchers.

Pizza Express say:"Play Dough is going to be one of our memorable events that we're introducing every Tuesday. There will be drop in sessions where children will play, make shapes out of dough, while mum has cake and coffee. As shapes are being baked, the kids can be read a story or have a snack before they get to see their creation"

If the event works well we might see it in many more PizzaExpress restaurants in the near future. Here are the questions: - when responding please say the age and gender of the child(ren) you attended with.

What was your overall view of the session?

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?

What was the service like?

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?! Grin

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?

Was the length of the session about right?

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?

Any other comments?

Thanks and good luck MNHQ

OP posts:
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allstarsprincess · 20/10/2010 08:03

Firstly, thanks for the invite. DD and I loved it. It was great to get out of the house with DD and DS together and actually sit down to enjoy a coffee. :)

What was your overall view of the session?
I really enjoyed the session.
My DD (3) loved the computer games. The play dough element was very messy so an apron would have been handy or a roll of wipes nearby.

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?
The play dough area was quite small and got crowded with only 4 children and parents around. It was hard to sit and help them in such a small crowded space. I also had my DS (11 weeks) with me and had I needed to hold him whilst helping it would have been very hard to do so.

There was no storytime either. DD reminded me of this when we left as I had told her what to expect.

DD loved the food and the new drinks went down a storm.

I was BF DS and the space on the circular booths was not big enough to do this comfortably.

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?
Observe, drink coffee, talk to each other.

What was the service like?
Really friendly staff. We were served very quickly but I did witness others who were delayed and had to wait. Israel our waiter was really friendly with DD and DS and helped us with putting on coats and moving buggies etc.

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
Perhaps making pizzas that can be taken home and be cooked?
DD made her cut outs quickly and then got bored. However, when it came to baking them her dough shapes had been remerged with other dough so I had to quickly put together a couple of animals so there was something to show for the session. It would be nice to make the dough up then put on a separate plate for each child.

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit?
Eh? I must have missed this bit.

How were the loos?!
I am told that the noise playing was the sound of Naples. It was just annoying! When changing DSs bum I got into a shouting match with someone knocking on the door repeatedly and calling. On opening I realised that it was in fact the "sound of Naples"! Grin I had been shouting "just a minute, I am in here" at a CD track.

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
I have always like PE but the portion sizes have in the past been far too large for a small child. The new menu and the brunch options overcome this. There were some lovely healthy options for both adult and child and the prices were excellent value for money. IIRC £1.20 for 3 mini pizzas.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
2-4 years. DD got bored very quickly with the dough and wanted to play on the computer. I imagine though that after a couple of visits she would outgrow these games as they were very simple and offered no ongoing challenge. The books were a great idea but too hidden in the seats.

Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?
Yes and yes. I am planning a repeat visit next week.

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?
11am suited us just fine. Perhaps an after school session as well from between 4-5pm.

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
Yes see above. I would not want the sessions to be too prescriptive though.

Was the length of the session about right?
I would prefer longer or a 'drop in' session where you could come have coffee then go if you are in a hurry.

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?
An evening cooking lesson would be lovely. Or a reading club.

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Nickydoffay · 20/10/2010 08:37
  1. I thought it was a lovely morning and really enjoyed the experience.
  2. My child did enjoy it (despite teething and being grumpy!). She enjoyed the playdough for a short while - she is just 2 - my 4 year old would have loved it. The interactive screens were a hit , as were the books and colouring. My daughter loved eating her bread at the end of the session.
  3. The carers enjoyed a natter, great coffee and sampling the treats. I think some of us quite enjoyed playing with the dough and computers too!
  4. Service was excellent. Staff were really friendly and went out of their way to make it an enjoyable experience for children and their carers.

5.I would suggest aprons as my daughter did cover herself and those around her in flour!
  1. Thought the 'Living Lab' was fantastic. Interior was fresh and inviting, loved the booths and service buttons!
  2. Loos were loos! Clean and did the job!
  3. Regular users of Pizza Express and enjoy eating there, looking forward to bring the family to try new PE out!
  4. Two to five.

10. Definitely will return and have already been spreading the word.
11. I like the previous comments about maybe an after school session as I know my 4 year old would love it too.
12. I think it worked well as it was, maybe just have a few differentiated activities.
13. Just right.
14. I liked the cooking lesson idea from previous message and maybe link it to a food tasting session - try to encourage kids to try out new food. Could link it to teaching kids about diff food groups.
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PuzzleRocks · 20/10/2010 09:45

Thank you so much. I took (DD1) 3.5 yrs and (DD2) 18 mths and we all had a great time.
What was your overall view of the session?
Really good. There was plenty to do and both girls were quietly captivated throughout. Bliss.

Did your children enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like?
DD1 loved the dough play. She made a raisin dough flower which she got to take home.
DD2 was enthralled by everything her big sister was doing.
The space was a bit small and there were not enough rolling pins but otherwise I love this idea.
The interactive screens were good fun but again there were only 3 so we had a trembling lip moment when DD1 couldn?t use them.
Both girls liked the pitta pockets. And they loved the Nutella doughballs. I scoffed loads thought they were perfectly nice too.

What was there for parents to do?
Chat and enjoy coffees knowing the children wre being catered for.
Muck about with the i-pod docking station in the corner booths. Laugh at my friend playing ?That?s Amore? through said docking station.

What was the service like?
Great. The staff are naturals with children and very helpful. It was a most welcoming atmosphere.

What additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
Food colouring.
More rollings pins. Just more fun utensils generally.
Aprons and a good supply of wipes.
What did you think of the "living lab"? What was your favourite bit?
I loved the patisserie counter. It made me feel childlike. Blush Gorgeous miniature cakes/tarts etc.
The whole restaurant was light and spacious. I can?t bear sitting on top of other diners. The booths apparently absorb sound which is very desirable. We tested this and it seemed to be true.
I like the call buttons on the table but I do worry they may be abused by button happy toddlers.
Being able to control the lighting level at your table appealed to me greatly.

How were the loos?!
I didn?t use them.
Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
Absolutely, I will certainly be taking the family. And recommending it to others.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
My two had a great time so I would say up to 4. Beyond that I am not sure. What I would say is that DD1 is less keen on colouring in than drawing her own pictures. Perhaps some plain paper and felt tips brought to tables would work better.
Do you think you would go back/recommend to friends?
Certainly and certainly.
There was mention of possible pizza making parties. I like this idea immensely.
What would be your ideal time/day?
10am weekday was perfect. I would imagine later in the day or weekends would get too busy for my liking.

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
Yes. Older children would need an after school or weekend session.

Was the length right?
It was a little short. Maybe another 20 minutes or so would be ideal.

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see?
I don?t have older children but I like what Nickydoffay and Allstarsprincess have suggested.

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LeninGhoul · 20/10/2010 12:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SlightlyUndead · 20/10/2010 13:32

What was your overall view of the session?
All 3 of us (me and 2 x 3 year olds) had a great time. It was a good balance of hands on / messy play, and relaxing environment

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?
Both loved it. I think they were at the optimum age at 3.5 to really appreciate the touch screen games and the messy dough stuff. Plus they were old enough to use the cutters and make shapes so found it quite rewarding.

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?
Chat, eat, observe. Again, I think I was at an advantage as the two children with me were old enough to be happy to chat to the staff rather than needing me all the time so I was really able to relax. Could probably have read the paper if I'd wanted!

What was the service like?
Great. Super friendly

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
Mine really enjoyed the 'cooking' aspect. I think gettting two year old Kids to do 'real' pizzas once a week might be a bit much but maybe once a month?


What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?!
Living Lab?? Not sure what this is, unless it's the brand name for the kind of pod areas where you could plug your ipod in? These were great and it was good that they'd thought about the acoustics. Loos were fine - nothing especially family orientated about them, but ok.

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
Always liked it thought I do think the usual chidlren's lunch menu is expensive for 2/3 year olds

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
3-4 year olds

Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?
Yep

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?
11-12 so that you have the option to stay for lunch and then after school from 4-5 with the option to stay for tea

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
Not unless there was a later 'cooking' option for older children

Was the length of the session about right?
Yes

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?
Pizza making, food tasting, Italy themed afternoon/evening

Any other comments?
Just good to see a restaurant recognising the need for toddler entertainment, lovely staff and thanks for the goodie bag :)

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Suzihaha · 20/10/2010 16:26

Thank you for arranging this session for MNers. I took (DS1) 2.9 yrs and (DS2) 14 mths and they absolutely loved it.

What was your overall view of the session?
Fantastic. It is a genius idea and I have never witnessed DSs sit still for so long. Two hours later and DS1 still refused to leave!

Did your children enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like?
The boys enjoyed it immensely. DS2 is too young to make anything but he loved watching the other children and eating the mini pizzas. DS1 was in his element as he loves making things out of play dough anyway; the raisins were also a hit to use for eyes (although I think more were eaten than used). DS1 also liked playing the games on the computer screens and the games were pitched at just the right level for preschoolers. His favourite part was when the chef came out and showed them how to toss the dough in a pizza shape. The boys then had a turn, with much squeals of delight Grin
The area was a little bit too small, with 4 children it was a tight fit and they plan to have 10. They would need another table and more screens if there were more children. The kids also needed aprons as the clothes got incredibly messy but at least they had some baby wipes to hand. It would have been better for each child to have a tray so their shapes wouldn't get confused or mashed by others.

What was there for parents to do?
Sit and drink coffees, chat. Since I had two with me I spent most of my time with DS2 but their enjoyment was enough. Once he's a bit older I think it would be nice to relax while they played as the staff were very hands on with the kids.

What was the service like?
Excellent. The staff were always asking if we needed more food/drink and a couple of the waiters were great with the LOs; really guiding them in their play and even doing a bit of juggling. They seemed to really like children and genuinely wanted to be there, which was very refreshing.

What additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
As some posters said, food colouring, more rolling pins and maybe some plastic utensils for cutting/drawing lines; different cookie cutter shapes (eg vehicles and animals). We didn't get a story time either, so that would have been good.

What did you think of the "living lab"? What was your favourite bit?
I didn't get too much of a chance to look around but generally liked the new look and feel. The restaurant has two fairly big steps between the different levels and so a ramp on one side would make it more accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users. I found the constant light changing a little bit annoying though. Loved the booths, makes it more cozy and easier to control the kids.

How were the loos?!
Clean and had a sturdy changing table. My DSs did like the sounds; kept still long enough guessing what they were so I could change them. The loo in the baby changing room could do with a lid or maybe a family toilet seat for those who have just potty trained but not big enough for an adult seat. It doubles as the disabled toilet so maybe not allowed? Also, DS2 managed to find the toilet brush in there so maybe thatcan be kept elsewhere and brought in when the loos were cleaned.

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
I've always liked going to PE as found it more family friendly than other similar chains, but I will be frequenting it more often now an have already spread the word. I think I may even have DS1's next birthday party there.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
I think the session was great for kids upto age 4 as it stood, but perhaps the timing not fantastic for those at nursery. I suggested to the staff it would be better to hold two sessions, one in the morning for 18m to 3yrs with maybe singing and an afternoon one for 3-5yrs with a story. And making pizza as well as dough shapes.

Do you think you would go back/recommend to friends?
Yes and yes!

What would be your ideal time/day?
11am on a weekday was perfect as it lent itself to having lunch there after the end of the session (kids can eat the pizzas they made, for example). However, won't get many 3&4 yr olds then so another session at 2:30 or 3 (before the bigger school kids get out) would be good. Weekends a no no as it will get very crowded and it was nice having space and staff's dedicated attention.

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
Yes. See above.

Was the length right?
We stayed from 11 to 1pm, just to play with the screens/eat/colour in. Dough was out for an hour and I think that's long enough.

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see?
I don?t have older children but I like the other suggestions so far.


Overall, a great session and the kids loved it. Thank you Smile

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AlmostKewmum · 20/10/2010 23:51

I came with DD- almost 18 months

What was your overall view of the session?. We had a blast. DD loved exploring the restaurant, the staff were great and it was a lovely atmosphere to have a coffee and a chat in.

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change? Loved it - we were both covered in flour (maybe an apron?), there was loads to do, the staff were engaging. I think she loved the dough balls with nutella the best...

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough? Watching them was enough entertainment - if I had my 4 year old there (doesn't need quite so much supervision) a couple of magazines might be nice if you'd come on your own - if you're with friends you can sit in a booth and gossip!

What was the service like? Really good - staff were great with the kids, and they really seemed to want to play with them which was lovely

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?. More rolling pins definitely, and love the idea of food colouring. Think full on pizza making could be a bit much for the little ones,but maybe different toppings (although most of the raisins got eaten) to decorate their bread - a few more utensils would be good too.

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?!. I didn't think the concept of the 'living lab' was particularly well explained, but the place looks great. Loved the pods where you can play your iPod, and the booths will be great for sitting with kids. The cakes look gorgeous on the counter tops although I thought was a little bit like Carluccios with the stuff to buy. However the acoustics etc should be better (although it will be interesting to see how it is on a Saturday lunchtime!). The loos were fine - nothing particularly to write home about - as one wee boy pointed out, the ladies loo is very blue!

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?. I think it confirmed that it's a great place to go wi kids.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?. DD was a tiny bit too young, but I think my four year old DS would like it - so about 18 months/2 years - 4/4.5?
Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends? definitely and already have done!

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?. The morning is great for littlies - and 10 am was a good time - great for snack time and filling our morning. If it lasted 75-90 mins that would be perfect. A later session might be nice for the big kids though, and a story at that so it's not too frenetic towards the end of the day. I suspect weekends would be too busy (and might cut into the number of covers PE can serve during those busy days?)

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?. See above, although I think the mornings are nice for all ages, and it's great to be able to go somewhere where you can take 2 + kids of differing ages and all be entertained, so I wouldn't want them to split groups by ages so that DD couldn't go with DS for example - it's definitely something siblings can do together.

Was the length of the session about right? maybe a little bit longer please? :)

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?. Holiday cooking classes with entertainment for mummies and younger siblings at the same time? It would be nice to have the option to stay or drop off if you needed to. Seeing as pizza express has some jazz connections, maybe some music sessions - come and listen to different types of music in the afternoons etc?

Any other comments?. Thanks for a lovely time and the goodie bag!

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PuzzleRocks · 21/10/2010 16:43

Apologies for thread hijacking. I left my leather gloves there on Tuesday and Pizza Express say they can't find them. I wonder if any other MNers picked them up by mistake. They were a gift from someone no longer with us so have sentimental value.

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StarExpat · 21/10/2010 22:00

What was your overall view of the session?
Great fun and relaxing for me :)

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?
Ds enjoyed making the shapes and rolling the dough for a bit, but didn't last very long at that table - especially once they brought the food out! Grin It was great that there was a nice stock of books in good condition and the screen games were great, too. Even though they were over his head at 24 months.

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?
I tried to get him into playing with the dough, got a chance to chat a bit with some of the other mothers, which was nice. I started to realise that I "hover" a bit too much over DS and need to step back a bit! :)

What was the service like?
Great! Everyone was lovely and nice. They interacted with the children well. Even when my DS decided to hang out under the table Hmm

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
The cooking bit was definitely a great part of this. DS loved seeing his dough turn into something he could eat. I agree that making a mini pizza would be fun.

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?
I don't quite get this but I really liked the restaurant layout. It was all very cool and the bright colours were attractive for young children. I liked that books were available and the books were clean and in good condition.
I did not visit the loo. Now I wish I had! :)

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
We frequent Pizza Express, so we already love it, but this would make us go more if there was one like this a bit nearer to us. Because ds would be entertained for longer = a longer, more peaceful meal for all of us.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
2-4 year olds. But a bit more changing up/variation needed for the 2 year olds. Or, ummm, my 2 year old. Blush

Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?
Yes, definitely!

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?
On a weekend 11-12 and stay for lunch or 3-4 or 4-5 and stay for supper. I usually work during the week, I was just lucky to be on half term this week! :)

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
No, but I do think weekends are a good consideration so you don't eliminate parents who have to work.

Was the length of the session about right?
Yes, perfect :)

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?
I don't have older children at the moment, but like the ideas already mentioned.

Any other comments?
Thank you so much for a lovely morning. I really enjoyed it. I just wanted to emphasise that since I did enjoy it so much, I'm sure other working mothers would as well. I am a teacher and I was fortunate that it was our half term (not in sync with british schools, thank goodness!) so that I could attend. So a weekend session would be very nice. :) Thanks again!

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StarExpat · 21/10/2010 22:02

Wow, I used a lot of smileys in that post.

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StarExpat · 21/10/2010 22:03

Oh and I really liked the mini pizzas and the nutella with dough balls idea and, well, everything that was put out to eat. And so did DS. I hope those items will be coming on menus to other local Pizza Express restaurants as well!
Will they be?

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Moncheri · 21/10/2010 23:59

age and gender of the child(ren) you attended with.
Attended with my son who is 2 years old.

What was your overall view of the session?
It was good fun and Well organised.

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?
My son loved it and making pizza is a new bribe used in our house. He loved the throwing of the dough in the air, to make the pizza base. His eyes lit up and when they got to have turns he jumped up and volunteered himself.

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?
Due to my sons age I had to get quite involved with him. Had he been able to play by himself I could have eaten or walked round to the centre where the pizzas were being made. It looked quite interesting.

What was the service like?
The service was great. The staff were so friendly and engaged with the children. When kids would act up slightly they didnt bat an eyelid and so willing to please. We got to eat an assortment of lovely food and The children were very well entertained.

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
I cant think of anything additional. If they wanted to make it more interesting they could insert colours into the playdough, but it was great fun even without it.

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?!
I liked the living lab. And the colourschemes and set up. It was a bit unfortunate that we had to come through righ to the back and it wasnt very easy to get through. I dont know for future stores if they would consider some sort of pushchair parking or similar. As mentioned above by someone else, accessibility in terms of lack of ramp could be a problem.

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
yes definitely. I didnt realise how affordable their childrens menus and brunch menus were. So it would be something we would do as a treat without worrying about a financial pinch.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
I think it would work best for kids of 2 and upwards. If they are able to have pizza making sessions then it may be of interest to 4-5 year olds.


Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?
I would definitely recommend it to friends. we had so much fun I cant wait till it starts up officially.

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?
Between 10 - 12 is a good time depending if the parents want to have brunch or lunch at pizza express.

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
I think initially if there are not many children attending, an age mix wouldnt be a problem.

Was the length of the session about right?
The session was a relatively good length, though some children were flagging by the end. However, I think because of the nice range of things for children to do, if they wanted to stop playing with the dough, there was plenty of other things to keep them occupied.

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StarExpat · 22/10/2010 13:03

Oops forgot first bit. I came with a 24 month old boy.

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WildRumpus · 23/10/2010 17:19

I came with DD 3.5 and DS 18months

What was your overall view of the session?
We had a lovely time! A really enjoyable way to spend a Tuesday morning.

Did your child/ren enjoy it? What was the best aspect for them? Was there anything you didn't like/ would like to change?
The kids loved it. It was right up both their streets. They love 'helping' with cooking at home so they were in heaven with a huge supply of dough and raisins, lots of shape cutters and other kids for company. My 18 month old DS was beside himself with excitement! They also loved the touch screen computer games - a good selection for a range of ages too. The only extras I would add would be aprons for the kids to put on and a big supply of wetwipes. Most mothers are armed with wetwipes but it would be good if they were to hand.

What was there for parents to do while the children were playing with the dough?
I quite enjoyed watching the kids enjoying themselves and helping them out with their dough shapes. But if I did it again I might equally enjoy sitting back and relaxing in a comfy seat with a coffee and a yummy pastry with a friend or a book while they are happy playing. Watching them get flour everywhere safe in the knowledge that I didn't have to clean up afterwards was also a guilty pleasure Blush.

What was the service like?
Extremely attentive, charming, friendly, knowledgeable. And they were all great with the kids. Can they come and babysit some time? They were really taken by the young guy with the illuminated juggling balls.

If the idea of play dough remains the same, what additional items could make it easier or more engaging for the children?
There could have been a wider range of things to decorate the dough. Raisins were fun, but if we did it again, maybe we would like to add some extra ingredients. Or perhaps the dough could be coloured for variety.

What did you think of the " living lab" Richmond Pizza Express? What was your favourite bit? How were the loos?!
The decor was excellent. Light airy and fun. Suitable for kids and adults. Loved the banquette seating around the tables, loved the way you could see all the food before you chose what to have. Loved the tables with a call button (which my 3 year old would no doubt abuse) and loved being able to put my ipod in and listen to my own music, but I'm not convinced that they next door table wouldn't be a bit annoyed as the soundproofing between tables wasn't that impressive. I also think it might be worth considering designating the lower area of the restaurant as the family zone and childproofing it a bit. A ramp and an area for pram parking would be helpful, as would screening off the area with a child gate during the kids activity times. DS made a dash for the door and nearly escaped onto the busy road outside. The loos? I wasn't overwhelmed. They were ok but nothing out of the ordinary apart from the bizarre sound effects.

Did the session change your views of Pizza Express?
Yes, I hadn't been in a while and really liked the new look and the new menu. The brunch menu looked really appetising and was realistically priced. I'd definitely consider coming for a meal with the kids and booking one of the tables near the kid's play area. The kid's area is waaaay better than anything offered by other family-friendly restaurants in Richmond and would be far more likely to keep them engaged for long enough for grown ups to eat their meal.

What age children do you think the session would work best for?
I think as it is it would be great for under 5s. Slightly older kids might want to do slightly more sophisticated cooking. But one of the members of staff did say that they are thinking of introducing kids pizza making parties.

Do you think you would go back for another session? Would you recommend it to friends?
Definitely. I've already mentioned it to friends.

What would be your ideal time/ day for a session like this?
Mornings work well for us as DD is at afternoon nursery, but most kids her age are probably at morning nursery, so an early afternoon slot might work well too. Kids could go and 'make their own brunch'.

Would you like to suggest different timings for different aged children?
See above

Was the length of the session about right?
Yes, an hour felt right.

If you have older children could you suggest an event you would like to see Pizza Express Richmond holding?
I don't have older children, but I think cookery classes for bigger kids would be fun.

Any other comments?

Thanks and good luck MNHQ

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AnnMumsnet · 02/11/2010 12:30

Congrats to WildRumpus - her name came out of the "hat" and she has won £50 of PE vouchers.

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carriemumsnet · 03/11/2010 14:33

Seeing as everyone's been so helpful in helping to design the new restaurant, developing their family service strategy and even joining in with Play Dough Smile Pizza Express would like to offer all Mumsnetters a special offer for the month of November - a free piccolo menu when you buy an adult main course at tea time. You need to be seated between 3.30pm and 6pm and the offer is available Monday - Friday. You can sign up for it here

The new Richmond pizza express isn't part of this offer, but don't fret Richmond folks, you have your own special offer running from Nov 8th-30th - a free coffee and cake (skinny grape bread or mini chocolate fudge cake) if you can get in there before 11am. Details of how to claim this offer coming soon, so watch this space......

Enjoy!
MNHQ

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StarExpat · 12/11/2010 14:56

Thank you so much for this special offer :)

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carriemumsnet · 12/11/2010 21:13

Hope folks are enjoying the regular Pizza Express offer. The Richmond offer is now open too - just click here to claim your free coffee and cake (skinny grape bread or mini choc fudge cake) if you get in before 11am. Both offers end Nov 30th. Enjoy

MNHQ

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