Frankie & Benny's

I have a bit of a soft spot for Frankie & Benny's, I know it's a chain and hardly fine dining, but the prices are great, I always have a voucher code (yes I'm a cheapskate), and there is hardly a dress code.

For these reasons alone Frankie and Benny's is a casual favourite of mine and an ideal eatery for families or groups of youngsters. Staged as a casual American Italian Diner, it is very welcome in a town with an abundance of 'fancy' Italian restaurants and a happy medium between taking your kids to a restaurant or taking them for a McDonald's.

Especially great for teens and tweens Birthday meals, I never grow tired of the lights dimming as the waiter brings an unsuspecting child a cake and the speakers start blaring out Cliff Richard' s 'Congratulations'. It is simple family fun, but if you're like me and have no children, it is also an ideal place for a quick dinner in your cardie and jeans before going to see a film in the cinema right next door.

To say I wasn't looking forward to going here was an understatement. Nevertheless, an out-of-town cinema means you eat at North Farm or not at all & that, clearly, was an even worse option. Themed restaurant? Piped music? Dodgy 'Happy Days' look? It's not me, fellow Qyper..........

Just between us, It was ace! Nice people, tasty food & a friendly atmosphere. Had my once-a-decade steak with blue cheese on it followed by an ice cream sundae thingy with tons of crushed up maltesers in it. Delicious.

I sent my compliments to Frankie & Benny. They weren't in that night.

It is so convenient for the cinemas and bowling alley here. The atmosphere is fantastic. It has an American diner theme and takes you back to New York in the late 50’s. It is a good place to go and prop up the bar or have a huge American style feast. Beware as the portions are huge. The food is always very good here and there is a good menu catering to most tastes. If you like a tipple I would recommend the cocktails and for the kids they offer a good selection of milk shakes. The service has always been good here even on a couple of occasions when we were told that they were short staffed. We visited here last New Year’s day, not holding out much hope as the staff all looked so hung-over. We were however pleasantly surprised as everything was perfect.