Frankie & Benny’s

I’ve always enjoyed dining here at F&B. It must be due to the fact that I like a good pizza or pasta dish. This particular time though, I fancied something different so I ordered their lamb shank. My Mum being the fantastic cook and quite pedantic at times said she could’ve cooked me that at home. Facepalm moment**
The food was good. This place can be busy at peak times so watch out. If in doubt, I would book a table in advance but luckily, it was a weekday after school so we were able to waltz in and land on a table in no time.
To be completely honest, I felt a bit bad not giving them a tip. Their card machines have that option where you can add a tip and I got a bit impatient to leave and went straight to pay for the bill. Take note, I checked the receipt afterwards and there is no service charge! Shocking! I’ll remember next time. So sorry!

Not exactly the place to go if you don’t eat meat. We selected veggie burgers from lunch menu and sure it was better than McDonalds but was definitely nothing special. Restaurant is on waterfront and has nice view from a patio.

Es war richtig gut, das Essen war Super, das Personal freundlich und das Restaurant war sauber.
Ich kann es, für alle die gerne amerikanisch essen empfehlen.

I wasn’t familiar with Frankie and Benny’s, although the fact that it was a chain was obvious from the outset. I don’t mind — I was after a reasonably priced breakfast, in a nice setting. At 2 for a tenner, with unlimited tea and coffee for an extra 99p per person, I’m happy. The choice was ok, offering bog standard english; omelettes; veggie to eggs benedict.
Well — I’ll be fair. My hubby’s full english was ok. Crispy bacon, halfway decent sausage. It wasn’t the warmest plate of food in the world, but he seemed happy enough. My eggs benedict, however, was pretty poor. There was far to much uncooked white to my egg, far too little bacon, and the chive goo masquerading as hollondaise was everywhere — my breakfast was literally swimming in it. Luckily, for me, it was edible — but really not good enough. The coffee was good, though, even if it did take a long time for the second cup to appear — the service was, at best, functional.
Sorry, F&B– this lady’s not for returning.

Always a good place to go for fair priced good food. Been there many times so must be doing something right. Milli was six yesterday and asked to go there. They did the whole cheesy song thing and she loved it.

Do people really enjoy standardized food rather than something a little more unique from an independent restaurant? Actually, I have to say I indulge in many chain restaurants that I think are good. But not this one. There menu is too big which is always a little suspect. Besides which, no matter what you expect, you can practically smell the freezer burn from the heat waves coming off your plate, which were probably put there artificially. It is reasonable in price but obviously to a fault. Great for big families with a lot of stomachs to feed. But, if you want a gastronomic experience past that, stay away!

I have to admit I have not been much of a fan of Frankie and Bennys in the past, I like American Culture don’t get me wrong but I didn’t like the fact that everytime someone had a birthday I had to hear the most cheesey loud music I have ever heard it was very sickly. However, that being said I have been there more frequently as of late for there breakfast deal 2 MASSIVE breakfasts for £10 with unlimited tea and coffee. WOW! the food is great, massive portions and continous good service from the staff. I have to admit that this has converted me. FRANKIE AND BENNIES is GREAT!

We should have known how this would turn out when we tried to book at table for ten people at 7pm on a Saturday and got told we don’t take bookings We were told to just turn up and they’d get us a table. Perhaps a drink at the bar whilst waiting? Hmm.
Well fortunately when we turned up, they did have a table for us. Right next to a hen party of 25 women. Who had obviously been drinking for some time, and were rather loud.
We were told that if we ordered quickly then our orders would be put through before the hen party’s order. So we did. And guess what. Our starters arrived and then nothing, while they got their food.
An hour after arriving we were served our main course, served on cold plates. And although most of the food was acceptable, all the vegetables were cold. So the waitress was asked if some fresh hot vegetables could be served, and her reaction seemed to be one of Oh, yeah ok, it happens all time. No shock, no surprise, not even an apology. But then all the staff seemed to have an air of indifference and were very off-​hand with us.
It was 8.40pm when we were asked if we wanted desserts. As we were booked to go ten-​pin bowling at 9.00pm we opted to skip this and just pay the bill.
The bill arrived and was about £185, which we split between us, and £200 was given to the waiter. As we left it became apparent that he hadnt brought any change back. And then it was pointed out that an optional 10% service charge had already been added to the bill. So the actual cost was just under £170, and the change from the £200 had been kept.
One of our party promptly returned and demand our change, and that the service be removed as we were not happy with the service. At first she was given £30 back, but standing her ground, the rest of was reluctantly given.
I, and probably most of the group, will not use this particular establishment again.
Update: Forgot to say that the optional (they’re words) service charge is only added to groups of ten or more, so be warned