Frankie and Bennys, Watford

Take a step back into 1940s America and sample a little taste of Italy at the same time. Where, I hear you ask - ‘Frankie and Bennys’, of course!

This chain of restaurants have been gradually springing up on the outskirts of towns in the past three or four years. Often on a Leisure park where there is a Cinema, Bowling Alley and other Bars and restaurants as well. It’s an ideal place to pop into for a meal and a drink ...
...Busy!.

I’ve sampled their restaurants now in four places, Peterborough, Chesterfield, Huntingdon and only last Tuesday – Watford. Oh yes, I’m very well travelled, me. They all have the same theme. American Sports memorabilia on the walls and other photos and items relating to singers like Frank Sinatra and his like (No, he is not the ‘Frankie’ in the chain’s name).

Thus, the ambience ... more

Take a step back into 1940s America and sample a little taste of Italy at the same time. Where, I hear you ask - ‘Frankie and Bennys’, of course!

This chain of restaurants have been gradually springing up on the outskirts of towns in the past three or four years. Often on a Leisure park where there is a Cinema, Bowling Alley and other Bars and restaurants as well. It’s an ideal place to pop into for a meal and a drink after a film. But beware – they do get VERY Busy!.

I’ve sampled their restaurants now in four places, Peterborough, Chesterfield, Huntingdon and only last Tuesday – Watford. Oh yes, I’m very well travelled, me. They all have the same theme. American Sports memorabilia on the walls and other photos and items relating to singers like Frank Sinatra and his like (No, he is not the ‘Frankie’ in the chain’s name).

Thus, the ambience is pleasantly evocative of a bygone age. But what’s the food like – and the service?

Depends what you like. As an Italian Restaurant I’m certain there are far better examples. I know there are. It is not made up to be an Italian restaurant, persay. Yes, they serve Pizzas, Pasta dishes and some specials, but also the kind of fare you also get in many ‘pre-club’ type Diners. Barbequed Ribs and Chicken breast, New York Strip steak and the odd Caesar salad thrown in. In addition they have several fish dishes – but I can’t comment on them, because I’ve never had one there.

For example, on Tuesday my wife and I ordered a 10” Pizza (Bacon and Mushroom – if you must know) as a starter. It was not on the menue as a ‘starter’, but why not order that along with some garlic bread while you are drinking your beer or wine? That was reasonably priced at £5.95, plus £1.95 for a small portion of garlic bread.

I am steak- mad, anyone who knows me will tell you that faced with the prospect of trying something ‘new’ or different, if there is a succulent looking steak on the menu, Keith will plump for that. So on this occasion I ordered…BBQ Chicken breast and Ribs! Don’t ask – just don’t ask! The chicken was cooked well and very tender, but without too much sauce on it, it felt a little dry. The rinbs were excellent, if only a half rack. Served with a choice of Italian potatoes, Fries or Salad, the meal was £7.95, quite a decent price for a main course in a nice restaurant. Although, nothing out of this world. Jill went all Italian on me and ordered Chicken Parmegiana – a Chicken breast with pasta and a ham and mozzarella topping. Again with the same choice of accompaniments. £7.45 was the cost of that and by all accounts very tasty too.

There is a large range of tempting desserts, the kind of thing you will always see at this pseudo American places, Cheesecakes, disgustingly delicious looking Ice cream concoctions etc – all from £2.95 - £3.95 depending on whether your stomach can stand more excitement.

Before your meal you can sit at the bar, break open a bottle of Bud, or order your ‘other half’ a cocktail. Certainly, like I said earlier, at weekends, you will have to wait for table and the Bar is as good a place as any. Once again, for you price conscious out there a bottle of Bud was £2.50 or a pint of Heineken £2.50, Stella £2.60 – not bad for this type of establishment.

So I would recommend a trip out to one of these. They are nicely presented, comfortable – the service is always pretty good, but waiting can be a drag. Don’t expect ‘the best meal you’ve ever had’, but it will be better than regular Pub Fayre and for only a fraction more.

Cheers….mine’s a pint!

 

...less