Restaurant Review: The Chinese Buffet, Preston

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The Chinese Buffet – You Dim Sum You Lose Sum

Despite the no-nonsense name, The Chinese Buffet in Preston suffered from an identity crisis. Set on the extremity of the charmless Fishergate Centre, with a panoramic view of nothing, in particular, it struggled to gain a sense of character. The Chinese Buffet is 9,200 square metres, spread over three stories, which didn’t help create an ambience. The music was an incredible mix of Eurovision song contest B-Sides, poorly mixed with vaguely East Asian melodies.

The Chinese Buffet staff were very pleasant and polished; with everything seemingly coordinated with precision. The choice of dishes available was certainly impressive. The Chinese Buffet offered a range of soups, rice dishes, noodle dishes, vegetarian options and a plethora of enigmatic deep-fried objects. If I tried everything I’d be dead by now; regardless I gave it a good go. The Kung Po Chicken, Vegetarian Fried Soft Noodles, Chicken Curry and Singapore Vermicelli were comforting if not a little salty. There were more flavours than I could shake a chopstick at, and certainly more than something for everyone. I guiltily pounced on the chips but had enough self-respect to decline the Cocktail Sausages. Chilled salads, fruits and cakes were a bit of an afterthought; however, I appreciated their presence.

All the plates were reassuringly hot and all surfaces pleasingly clean. This restaurant was doing plenty right, and clearly well organised. Preston’s Chinese Buffet could do without some of the Anglo-influences such as Chicken Nuggets and Pancake Pastries; however, for those with young children, there was certainly something for everyone.

The Chinese Buffet says it has the explicit aim of providing a new style of buffet restaurant (e.g. not terrible), with high-quality food at a low cost, which to be fair they do. Refined dining it isn’t, however, for tired shoppers or hung-over students, Chinese Buffet offers great value.

The Chinese Buffet Preston
Review Summary

Atmosphere 3/10    Cost 10/10    Quality 6/10    Service 7/10

*Since this review was first published, The Chinese Buffet Preston is unfortunately no longer with us –   hence the lack of link*

Restaurant Review: Clog & Billycock, Blackburn

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Clog & Billycock In Picturesque Pleasington

The Clog & Billycock is a stylishly presented country gastropub, with well thought out colour patterns of the non-offensive John Lewis variety. Originally the Bay Horse, the pub’s name was changed in 1973 in honour of its former characterful Landlord, Alfred Pomfret who always wore clogs and a billycock behind the bar. I was worried a billycock was some kind of fetish item, and relieved it turned out to be a bowler hat. There were lots of interesting details, quirky touches and links to the local area and produce. I loved the focus on tasteful design, in tune with its environment and purpose. To anyone familiar with Nigel Haworth, this will come as no surprise.

The Clog & Billycock Drinks Menu was pleasingly diverse, with a range of quality gin at reasonable prices. The Botanist Gin – my personal favourite – was deceptively complex and fragrant. Similarly, wine by the glass was perfectly quaffable and not outrageously expensive. Interestingly, The Clog & Billycock was the only gastropub I know offering wine from a 70ml measure. Despite the very good wine and spirits list, judging the clientele, I suspect the real ale was more popular – fair enough.

The Rump Steak Salad starter was beautifully presented and full of colour. The meat itself was perfectly rare, although a little chewy, while the dressing was incredibly aromatic. The local Seafood Platter was scrumptious, but at £17.50 not cheap considering the lack of preparation required; although, the quality was evident to anyone with a mouth. The Lancaster Beech &  Juniper Smoked Salmon was as fresh as possible, pairing sensationally with horseradish cream. The Potted Flookborough Shrimps were buttery deliciousness, while the Smoked Mackerel Pate combined with it’s best mate beetroot was nothing short of divine. The Roast Pork was generously proportioned, arriving on a reassuringly hot plate. Not mind blowing, but comforting and meaty. The Salmon Wellington was both light and wholesome, with perfectly cooked vegetables and crispy pastry. The hearty apple sauce and silky gravy suggested proper country cooking was going on. Finally, The Clog & Billycock’s Spotted Dick (no giggling) was pacifying but far from electric.

The Clog & Billycock floor manager zipped about created a welcoming atmosphere. She turned a negative, the wrong desert arriving, into a positive by replacing it promptly in good humour. There were no less than four mistakes with the bill, impressive for only two diners, but none that were unresolvable. It was difficult at times to attract attention – servers looked in every direction but mine. That said, everything arrived perfectly promptly and in an organised fashion.

The Clog & Billycock in the appropriately named village of Pleasington provided a lower priced alternative to the luxurious local Northcote, but with the same Northern hospitality.

Clog & Billycock Restaurant
Review Summary

Atmosphere 9  Cost 6  Quality 8  Service 7

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Pleasington

Restaurant Review: Bistro Franc, Liverpool

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Bistro Franc – Bargain Basement

Bistro Franc Liverpool was thankfully not authentically French: staff welcomed guests with smiles, rather than complete disdain. The interior was stylishly designed, with absinthe green splashes and natural finishes throughout. Bisto Franc Liverpool tried too hard to mask it’s a chain, with so many modern accessories masquerading as antique; however, they created a fun, unique impression – especially the novel lavatories.

Bistro Franc Liverpool provided outstanding value via Le Pre Théâtre Menu; although the selection was predictably limited, options were perfectly choosable. They also provide generously long Le Lunch Rapide hours, as well as weekly Sunday and Monday (for students) Wine & Dine Menus, giving you no excuses to not make a booking.

The flavours of the pea and pancetta soup worked together admirably: the pleasing saltiness of the meat with the starchiness of the vegetables was comforting. Likewise, the smoked pâté, was creamy but light and slightly citrusy, in other words – delicious. The Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was a major disappointment, being too acidic and tasting of nothing but passion fruit; perfectly drinkable, but with little character. The ‘Poulet Forestier’ was succulent, the thick sauce too sour, and the generously-portioned, perfectly cooked vegetables fresh. Some sort of citrus tart for dessert was tasty, but a little dry, and finally the cheese was inoffensive but not proudly French.

Bistro Franc Liverpool’s service was excellent throughout, with well-presented, spritely servers producing everything efficiently. However, two minor points of improvement would be to proactively advise the Soup of the Day and explain what constituted the cheeseboard.

Although there were some issues with Bistro Franc Liverpool’s food, at this price point one shouldn’t complain. There was also some proper grown up dishes on offer, along with plenty of Scouse banter.

Bistro Franc Liverpool Review Summary

Atmosphere 8/10    Cost 10/10    Quality 5/10    Service 9/10

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