Best Chain restaurant?

Author
Discussion

tomsugden

2,233 posts

227 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
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You do need to book, but it's so worth it.

tvrforever

3,182 posts

264 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
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TwigtheWonderkid said:
I've eaten 3 times at Loch Fyne. First time was a disaster, utterly terrible service and quality, vowed never to go back.
Then my firm booked it for a do. It was even worse. Truly shocking. loads of us complained. That was me done.
Then I was entertaining a client and he said, as there was a Loch Fyne nearby, we should go. I advised against it, saying I'd been twice and it was beyond bad. But he said I was nuts, and it was always great, so we went.
It was fking dreadful. Bad beyond words. Fish was tiny and overcooked, veg was undercooked, and I had cheese and biscuits for dessert and the cheese was sliced so thin I swear you could hold it up to the light and see thru it.

I will never set foot in there again. I'd rather go hungry than have it as my pre execution meal.

Beaconsfield branch, if anyone is interested. Avoid like the plague.
Been to that branch a few times, never as bad as you experienced but never great - hit & miss service, seems fresh seafood selection low and always feels soulless (and increasingly like a fast fry shop). Not on my repeat list but sadly wife somehow seems to like it frown

Big Rod

6,198 posts

215 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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tvrforever said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
I've eaten 3 times at Loch Fyne. First time was a disaster, utterly terrible service and quality, vowed never to go back.
Then my firm booked it for a do. It was even worse. Truly shocking. loads of us complained. That was me done.
Then I was entertaining a client and he said, as there was a Loch Fyne nearby, we should go. I advised against it, saying I'd been twice and it was beyond bad. But he said I was nuts, and it was always great, so we went.
It was fking dreadful. Bad beyond words. Fish was tiny and overcooked, veg was undercooked, and I had cheese and biscuits for dessert and the cheese was sliced so thin I swear you could hold it up to the light and see thru it.

I will never set foot in there again. I'd rather go hungry than have it as my pre execution meal.

Beaconsfield branch, if anyone is interested. Avoid like the plague.
Been to that branch a few times, never as bad as you experienced but never great - hit & miss service, seems fresh seafood selection low and always feels soulless (and increasingly like a fast fry shop). Not on my repeat list but sadly wife somehow seems to like it frown
Shame.

The original, (and the only one I've been to), is pretty damned good. (In my experience!)

zygalski

7,759 posts

144 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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dugsud said:
thelittleegg said:
also Pizza Express are great, their pizzas are better than 95% of other places, we always get our takeaway pizzas from them.
I agree...never had a bad Pizza at a Pizza Express where ever it is, always fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked.

On the other hand probably 50% of the Pizzas I've eaten at independent Italian Restaurants have been average or worse......some really bad.

I'd describe the Pizza Express overall as consistently good.
Pizza Express over the others for me too. Never had a bad one.

shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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The jiffle king said:
"Bills" is ok for a smaller chain
last time i was in london i ate at bills in soho. i was highly impressed. scallops to start, fantastic pork belly for main and a couple of leffe blond. great food and a perfect summers' day lunch.

i think wagamama in the uk has gone downhill massively, it was only decent before the IPO which must have been 10yrs ago now. heathrow one is good especially for breakfast, but it fairs much better abroad. here in dubai their food is excellent and is a regular haunt. asian chefs must make the difference and the seating isn't the usual benched sharing 'experience' either.

i'll vote shake shack as their shack stack burger and chocolate shake are a constant enemy to my diet & training!

as for those who said wetherspoons i lol'd. i worked in one many moons ago and would not eat there.

berlintaxi

8,535 posts

172 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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TwigtheWonderkid said:
I've eaten 3 times at Loch Fyne. First time was a disaster, utterly terrible service and quality, vowed never to go back.
Then my firm booked it for a do. It was even worse. Truly shocking. loads of us complained. That was me done.
Then I was entertaining a client and he said, as there was a Loch Fyne nearby, we should go. I advised against it, saying I'd been twice and it was beyond bad. But he said I was nuts, and it was always great, so we went.
It was fking dreadful. Bad beyond words. Fish was tiny and overcooked, veg was undercooked, and I had cheese and biscuits for dessert and the cheese was sliced so thin I swear you could hold it up to the light and see thru it.

I will never set foot in there again. I'd rather go hungry than have it as my pre execution meal.

Beaconsfield branch, if anyone is interested. Avoid like the plague.
Sounds exactly the same as the Bristol one, dreadful place, ventured in one Monday evening to be told they had run out of fish, sort of defeats the object of their existence. I would not enter one again even at gunpoint.

thetapeworm

11,192 posts

238 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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berlintaxi said:
Sounds exactly the same as the Bristol one, dreadful place, ventured in one Monday evening to be told they had run out of fish, sort of defeats the object of their existence. I would not enter one again even at gunpoint.
Anthony Bordain taught me to never eat fish on a Monday as it's usually very old, perhaps them not having any is a good thing but you'd think they would just close that day.

BJG1

5,966 posts

211 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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BrabusMog said:
lol maybe he's been telling porkies, he does like to exaggerate from time to time. Or he had a pudding and neglected to tell me. £40 seems ok for 2 people if it is good quality in my opinion.
I'd say if you're not in London, Byron is likely the best burger you'll get unless there happens to be a pub that does something superb. I don't bother with them in London now, just because the burger fad has hit its peak and there's so many excellent places (patty & bun and Honest Burger are my favourites) but they have one in my hometown of Bury St Edmunds now and I'll go there plenty. Definitely a chain worth giving a go and their malt milkshakes are fantastic.


Miguel Alvarez

4,944 posts

169 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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BrabusMog said:
The jiffle king said:
"Bills" is ok for a smaller chain
I only found out last year that Bills was a chain, I had presumed the one in Reading was an independent - good quality in my opinion. Love the sauce at TGIs and also at Giraffe, and I think all the voucher code Italians make for good, cheap meals out midweek.
Funnily enough my dad was telling me this the other day. I assumed Reading's was the only one.

TwigtheWonderkid said:
Japveesix said:
I've always had decent meals at Prezzo and my girlfriend loves it.
I find Prezzo very hit and miss. Can be good but has been very bad.
Probably more coincidence than anything but the two times I've eaten in Prezzo I've felt really rough hours afterwards. Not sure why as I didn't really do anything other than a pizza both times.

Miguel Alvarez

4,944 posts

169 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
My run down.

F&B - Awful. More expensive than the others as well so was not impressed.

Prezzo - Missus liked it but the two random times I've been I've left feeling really ill.

Harvester - Decided to strike this off the list. The past few times I've been the food has been dire. No idea what they are playing at.

Nandos - Blah. Never really seen the attraction.

Wimpy - Feels like a return to the 80's. No frills food and lots of colouring stuff for kids.

Bella Italia - Missus used to work here when I first met her so I made a point of trying everything on the menu. I got on well with the other staff so my meals were always perfect. We've been to a few over the years since and it's an ok chain but not quite the same as paying staff discount and getting extra servings.

Toby Carvery - I really can't fault this place. For what it is it's perfect. Cheap nice roast dinner as soon as you walk through the door. What more could you ask for.

Pizza Hut - Ok. Does what it says on the tin.

Pizza Express - This used to be my treat meal if I had done well at school. I love the food but for the love of god can someone please make them do bigger pizzas.

TGI's - I only ever seem to go to this place for leaving parties. I couldn't tell you the last time I had something other than a drink and nachos.


DMN

2,983 posts

138 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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Have we had Cosmo? They only have 18 restaurants in the UK so far, but I've been to the one in York a few times and always enjoyed the food. They're great for taking fussy eaters as the food is pan-asian with some English dishes too.

Miguel Alvarez

4,944 posts

169 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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BrabusMog said:
Dr Interceptor said:
Il Colosseo on Alexandra in North Camp - its in the old bank building, so can be lacking in atmosphere if it's quiet, but (Italian) family owned, the food and service is always fantastic.

Noted on Byron Burger... thanks for the advice.

One to add.... Five Guys - I don't get the hype. Some of my friends rave about it, but it's a posh Burger King? Toppings are nice though, and Stevie loves the touch screen coke machine where you can add any flavour you want to whatever drink you're having.
I've been there with a customer, it's pretty nice. There's a decent Italian in Fleet as well, but I can't remember the name of it.
Is Mama Mia's still in Camberley?

In fact where would you guys suggest for a nice meal out in the Camberley area. I'm back there once a week.

Dr Interceptor

7,743 posts

195 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
DMN said:
Have we had Cosmo? They only have 18 restaurants in the UK so far, but I've been to the one in York a few times and always enjoyed the food. They're great for taking fussy eaters as the food is pan-asian with some English dishes too.
Didn't realise it was a chain... been to the one in Reading twice. Excellent food, great choice, always busy. Can't fault the service as it's self-service biggrin

Only downside is it makes all other self-serve buffets a no go as they can't compare to Cosmo!

Miguel Alvarez

4,944 posts

169 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
DMN said:
Have we had Cosmo? They only have 18 restaurants in the UK so far, but I've been to the one in York a few times and always enjoyed the food. They're great for taking fussy eaters as the food is pan-asian with some English dishes too.
I went to the Reading one once. I can see why it is popular but it wasn't my cup of tea. Queue to get in. Wonder around with a plate with people bumping into you as the scavenge for food and then you find the one thing you want has run out so you have to wait for the chef to cook it again.




BrabusMog

20,083 posts

185 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
Dr Interceptor said:
DMN said:
Have we had Cosmo? They only have 18 restaurants in the UK so far, but I've been to the one in York a few times and always enjoyed the food. They're great for taking fussy eaters as the food is pan-asian with some English dishes too.
Didn't realise it was a chain... been to the one in Reading twice. Excellent food, great choice, always busy. Can't fault the service as it's self-service biggrin

Only downside is it makes all other self-serve buffets a no go as they can't compare to Cosmo!
Christ, I had no idea Cosmo is a chain! And you're right, once you've eaten there all other buffets are not worth bothering with.

BrabusMog

20,083 posts

185 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
Miguel Alvarez said:
Is Mama Mia's still in Camberley?

In fact where would you guys suggest for a nice meal out in the Camberley area. I'm back there once a week.
I don't know I'm afraid, I just go for lunch if I am paying the cheques in at hsbc, so I don't stray far from the high street.

As for suggestions - I like Villa Bianca in Frimley, it really is my favourite Italian - they have some great specials. I also like the Greyhound in Finchampstead, it would be my local if I lived anywhere near the area but it's just a lunchtime venue for me unfortunately.

Miguel Alvarez

4,944 posts

169 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
BrabusMog said:
I don't know I'm afraid, I just go for lunch if I am paying the cheques in at hsbc, so I don't stray far from the high street.

As for suggestions - I like Villa Bianca in Frimley, it really is my favourite Italian - they have some great specials. I also like the Greyhound in Finchampstead, it would be my local if I lived anywhere near the area but it's just a lunchtime venue for me unfortunately.
Fair enough. I'm there tonight after work so I'll take some time out and have a drive around I think. I think the last time I had a meal in Camberley C&A was still in business lol.

exgtt

2,067 posts

211 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
berlintaxi said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
I've eaten 3 times at Loch Fyne. First time was a disaster, utterly terrible service and quality, vowed never to go back.
Then my firm booked it for a do. It was even worse. Truly shocking. loads of us complained. That was me done.
Then I was entertaining a client and he said, as there was a Loch Fyne nearby, we should go. I advised against it, saying I'd been twice and it was beyond bad. But he said I was nuts, and it was always great, so we went.
It was fking dreadful. Bad beyond words. Fish was tiny and overcooked, veg was undercooked, and I had cheese and biscuits for dessert and the cheese was sliced so thin I swear you could hold it up to the light and see thru it.

I will never set foot in there again. I'd rather go hungry than have it as my pre execution meal.

Beaconsfield branch, if anyone is interested. Avoid like the plague.
Sounds exactly the same as the Bristol one, dreadful place, ventured in one Monday evening to be told they had run out of fish, sort of defeats the object of their existence. I would not enter one again even at gunpoint.
Same in Leeds, been twice, gritty mussels and lots dead plus frozen butter. Frozen butter ffs.

Nandos is really consistent I've found, regardless of where you go its the same service, same taste, same waiting times. Impressive really.

Disastrous

10,072 posts

216 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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I find chain restaurants almost uniformly depressing.

Before we even get to the food, I'm broken by the bulk-bought 'authentic' tat stuck to the wall, the garish lighting, the loud music, the subtly 'antiqued' tiles that are plastic on closer inspection, the 'randomised' montage of newspaper cuttings wallpaper in the toilets that repeats itself exactly every 0.5 metres, the blaring of whatever vacuous ephemeral bks Radio 1 decided should be in the charts this week etc etc.

I find them to be bleak beyond words and simply can't enjoy a meal in that environment.

Life is too short and there are too many good restaurants out there to bother with chains IMO.

That said, honourable mention to Wagamama, Lobster & Burger and Jamie's Italian for at least not feeling like chains and having decent food.

TGI, F&B's, Chiquitos, GBK...All dreadful and I'd rather eat a plate of my own st.




Davey S2

13,075 posts

253 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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jmorgan said:

Ruby Tuesday is not bad for stuffing your face with fried food.
I went to a Ruby Tuesday's for a work leaving lunch last year and it was utterly horrendous. We were a big party but everything was utter ste. I'd only set foot in the place again if I was literally starving and there was no other option.

Ok ones are:

Cote
Zizzi (the spicy n'duja linguine is really good)
Bella Italian do nice pizzas.
Prezzo
Pierre Bistro

Not a fan of
Jamies
GBK (massively overpriced and just not that good)
Strada