What we thought

Frankie and Benny's manages to turn scenes of potential chaos into a well-run operation, serving a wide variety of Italian-American food and looking after kids and youngsters unlike any other chain restaurant.

As soon as our table had been meticulously cleaned, a little mobile device buzzed to let us know a table was free. We finished our drinks in the bar area and were immediately shown to our soft and

guarantees quiet and well fed kids

comfy seats. However the bench seating made it difficult to store coats which often ended up on the floor.

There was soon plenty to keep the kids occupied with pencils and colouring books containing many different activities to keep them amused. Unlimited drinks for kids was another good idea, so too was a junior menu with bigger servings for older kids.

Italian immigrants to New York in the 1920s Frankie and Benny cleverly mixed food from both the mother country and America to produce a winning combination. This New York Italian diner concept has successfully crossed the Atlantic and, with most restaurants situated in leisure parks, it appeals to young people and families with parents knowing the choices available cannot fail. The influence of the Big Apple is evident in the Frank Sinatra inspired big band music, fascinating pictures and newspaper cuttings, with even a chance brush up on your Italian in the toilets, or rather 'restrooms'.

With lots of waiting staff buzzing around we were soon served with a towering platter featuring a mixture of appetisers and dips with bread and celery sticks. More than enough for two and even the kids could tuck in. From a mouth-watering cocktail menu the daiquiri was pleasantly strong enough to enjoy the distinctive rum taste.

In addition to Frankie and Benny's holy trinity of burgers, pizza and pasta there is a tempting list of house specialities with fish dishes, ribs, steak and chicken with risotto and nut roast for vegetarians.

One would expect an Italian-American restaurant to serve good pizzas and the chefs clattering away behind the serving counter in the open kitchen didn't disappoint. The New York Deli pizza consisted of a superb thin and crispy base cooked to perfection using fresh dough delivered daily and generously topped with bacon, ham and pepperoni.

A venue for a romantic dinner for two this is not but if you want a venue which guarantees quiet and well-fed kids or a menu which caters for all tastes; and if you can put up with the repetitive happy birthday/congratulations routine, Frankie and Benny's is the choice.

Close Content