MP writes to Pizza Express chief calling for Peterborough branch to be kept open

Up to 1,100 jobs are at risk at Pizza Express’s restaurants in the UK as it plans to close around 67 of its sites.

The chain said today (August 4) that it is planning to launch a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in the “near future” in a bid to push down its rents amid a “significantly more challenging environment” after the coronavirus pandemic.

The outcome has “yet to be decided”, Pizza Express said, but it may end in the closure of around 15per cent of its 449 restaurants in the UK, affecting 1,100 staff.

The city’s MP has written to Jinlong Wang who is group chair and CEO Pizza Express Group.

In the letter he said: “I am writing to urge you to keep this iconic Peterborough branch open, and if it is already earmarked for closure, to reverse this decision.

“As you are aware, the founder of Pizza Express, Peter Boizot MBE, was from Peterborough. He loved this city and is affectionally known by many as Mr Peterborough. Whilst I understand that these decisions are made on a commercial basis, I know he would have been horrified by the prospect of the closure of the Peterborough branch.”

Pizza Express was founded by Peter Boizot and the city restaurant has his portrait on the wall.

Mr Boizot died in December 2018, aged 89. The entrepreneur changed the face of eating out in Britain after founding the Pizza Express chain - bringing the Italian dish to UK restaurants for the first time after being the first to import traditional Italian pizza ovens.

But he was also known in the city for owning and running a number of iconic institutions, and became known as ‘Mr Peterborough’ for his work.

Peter bought Peterborough United for £5 million in 1997, rescuing them from the brink of collapse - and just three years later he was dancing on Wembley turf to celebrate promotion. His passion for Peterborough spread to The Great Northern Hotel, and along with making the hotel a jewel in the city’s crown, his parties at the venue became the stuff of legend.

He also owned and ran the Broadway Theatre for many years, before selling to Rinaldo Fasulo. Along with his business ventures, he raised millions for charities.

Peter was born in Peterborough, and went to The King’s School as a youngster. He also stood for election in Peterborough on a number of occasions.

Mr Bristow’s letter in full:

“I read with alarm in the Peterborough Telegraph that there are plans to close 67 Pizza Express branches, and that the branch in Peterborough is under threat.

I am writing to urge you to keep this iconic Peterborough branch open, and if it is already earmarked for closure, to reverse this decision.

As you are aware, the founder of Pizza Express, Peter Boizot MBE, was from Peterborough. He loved this city and is affectionally known by many as Mr Peterborough. Whilst I understand that these decisions are made on a commercial basis, I know he would have been horrified by the prospect of the closure of the Peterborough branch.

He holds a special place in the hearts of many in our city, and we see Pizza Express as a Peterborough business.

Peterborough is a city with great potential for the future. A new university is planned and redevelopment is proposed at the station quarter, North Westgate, and Northminster.

These exciting plans will bring more people into our city centre, and it will be a new beginning for our city.

It would be unthinkable if Pizza Express were not part of that.

I would be very happy to meet with you, other local politicians, and any other members of the Pizza Express team so we can do everything we can to save this flagship branch in the heart of our city.”