Milton Keynes restaurants launch novel ‘phone-free’ dining challenge to get families and friends connected again
PizzaExpress is encouraging Milton Keynes diners to ditch their phones and reconnect over pizza with the launch of its new Pizza O’Clock dining challenge offer.
It comes after official YouGov figures researched by the iconic chain revealed that more than a third of UK adults (34%) admit to spending more time on their phones each week than with friends or family. Meanwhile, 85% confessed they aren’t always fully engaged at mealtimes, often distracted by devices.
In response, PizzaExpress has introduced Pizza O’Clock, running all day every day until 29 August – and includes unlimited Dough Balls.
For £17.50 per adult – or £10 per child – families and friends get 90 minutes of unlimited pizza alongside table-top games designed to spark conversation and laughter.
But there’s a twist: diners are invited to turn their tables into ‘phone-free zones’. Anyone caught checking their device can be issued a playful red card by fellow diners and forced to take on a forfeit – from telling an embarrassing story to performing a silly dance.
PizzaExpress, which is launching Pizza O’Clock at its three MK venues at MK1, XScape and Midsummer Boulevard, hopes the initiative will encourage people to reclaim quality time.
A spokesperson for PizzaExpress told the MK Citizen: “With many of us spending less than 90 minutes of proper time with loved ones each day, Pizza O’Clock is about putting down the phone, picking up a slice, and having fun together.”
Guests can order unlimited helpings of favourites like the Margherita, Padana, or American simply by raising their Pizza O’Clock paddle.
When you need more pizza all you have to do is raise your Pizza O’Clock ‘paddle’ and more delicious cheesy goodness will arrive at the table quicker than you can beat your fellow diners at a game of Flip-o-rama.
So diners are being encouraged to put their phones down and enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, fun and reconnection.