Peter Boizot, having eaten his way round Europe and developed a passion for pizza, opened his first PizzaExpress outlet in 1965 in Wardour Street, Soho. Since then the chain has expanded across the UK (there are now over 300 outlets, managed by their own people, not franchisees), driven by Peter's core values of using only the finest ingredients, eye-catching design at each venue and friendly and efficient service. PizzaExpress is proud of its contribution to the wider community, its sponsorship of art and jazz, for instance; its support of good causes, for instance the rehabilitation of Venice; and its Schools Programme where some 45000 children per year are able to visit a PE kitchen, practise pizza-twirling and begin the journey to become the next generation of pizzailos; and should they come back as customers they can choose from the Piccolo Menu. The adult menu is obviously based on the pizza and its bosom buddy the tomato, but starters, pasta and salads and desserts also get a mention. The Cheltenham restaurant, decorated with local modern artworks, is in the centre of the town in an attractive Regency building opposite the Town Hall.