PizzaExpress has opened a new takeaway pod outside the main entrance of Tesco Extra in Bursledon.

The pod is aimed at making the brand's products more accessible for customers on the move.

It allows customers to order and collect their favourites from an open kitchen and collection window.

The pod also offers a £9.95 pizza and soft drink lunch deal.

Paula Mackenzie, CEO of PizzaExpress, said '2024 has been a year of growth and new openings and we’re showing no signs of slowing down as we come into the festive season'.

She added: "Our PizzaExpress Pod brings something completely new and eye-catching for our pizza lovers and Tescogoers."

The PizzaExpress Pod outside the store in Hamble Lane will be open Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 9pm; Friday to Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Chris Holmes, chief development officer of PizzaExpress, said: "We are all about adding showtime and celebrating all occasions, big and small, from Soho to Singapore and now to Southampton! So why not add a touch of excitement (and dough balls) to your usual grocery trip?

"We were the original casual dining player in supermarkets, launching over 20 years ago and are top of the leaderboard for our chilled pizza, famous salad dressing, and pizza dough proposition.

"We don’t stand still and are excited to keep thinking outside the box to help our pizza fans get hold of their favourite pizza (and salads or pasta) in even more ways – this time on the go and via delivery."

Tesco Clubcard members can use their points, which double in value when converted to a PizzaExpress voucher, to buy pizza from the pod.

The pod also collaborates with delivery services Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to deliver to homes across the area.

The pod is part of the brand's expansion strategy, which includes broadening its retail range and increasing its international presence.

The brand aims to have 1,000 pizzerias worldwide by 2030.