SURELY there is more to life than just sandwiches, writes the Advertiser's David Searle.

If you are anything like me, lunchtime at work can be a real chore.

Having tried every dish available on Bromsgrove High Street, and still refusing to make my own packed lunch, I often find myself going to the same place time and time again.

Even though Pizza Express has been open on High Street for years it's not somewhere that I would have thought about nipping in for an hour before having to rush back to the office, even if it is only a couple of minutes from the doorstep.

However, a new lunchtime menu means it's not just a place to enjoy a leisurely evening meal.

Sitting down in the trendily decked-out restaurant my colleagues and I were served by a friendly waitress while perusing through the delectable new dishes on offer.

This is the restaurant's first lunchtime menu with the emphasis on a lighter meal, such as Romanita Pizzas (smaller versions of the classic Pizza Express pizzas), soups, salads and piadinas all on offer.

I had a Pomodoro Pesto with mozzarella, tomato and basil, which was delicious.

Crisp and loaded with flavour it was also exactly the right portion so that it filled me up but didn't leave me feeling bloated for the rest of the working day.

One of my colleagues opted for the tomato and basil soup, which he said tasted fresh and flavoursome while another took advantage of the restaurant's new spring collection by opting for a Pollo Forza Romana pizza with chicken marinated in smoky chilli powder, garlic and dried chilli flakes.

It had quite the kick to it.

We all shared a Pollo salad with the tastiest chicken I have had in a long time and rounded it off with some big Polenta chips.

The meal left us all feeling satisfied and the best part is that it didn't break the bank either with all dishes coming in at under £6.

For those of you in a real rush you can even get your food to take-away so you can enjoy it at your desk while getting that vital report done before your boss gets back from his or her extended lunchbreak.

The lunchtime menu is being trialled Monday to Friday in only a selected number of restaurants across the country so those looking for an Italian treat in Bromsgrove and the surrounding area are advised to make a trip fast.

For more information, visit pizzaexpress.com/our-food/express-lunch-menu.