Sheesh - seems like ages since I've been here. So many changes, business up and running - bred my f...
Sheesh - seems like ages since I've been here. So many changes, business up and running - bred my first litter of labs - moved house - guess I had better work on catching up now!
Member since:20.03.2001
Reviews:275
Members who trust:170
UPDATES MOVED TO END
I tend to travel quite a bit in both my business and personal life, and much to my partners annoyance love visiting Little Chefs.
I must confess that the only meals I have ever eaten in them have been from their wonderful selection of 'All Day Breakfasts' and can honestly say that I have always found their food to be superb ( with the exception of one outlet - see below on locations). The food is always cooked fresh, and the service is generally good and quite speedy. I should imagine that their other meals are of a similar quality.
In Leigh Delamare service station, they have a notice advising customers that if they are in a rush, this might not be the best restaurant on site, and they should use the 'fast food' facility next door. Even though it belongs to the same company, this is a very brave statement to make, but if you take into consideration the time spent queuing, the fact that your food is often cold by the time you have paid and found a seat, the Little Chef can prove a better option, as we proved on a recent coach trip to Germany.
Of the ones I have visited and can remember vividly, I rate them as follows:
A40 (Just outside Monmouth) - Food - Excellent: Service - Excellent - a little disappointed that they have stopped serving scrambled egg - yes - I am that fussy!) - this is apparently due to the increased risk of salmonella
Cross Hands, A40, Wales: Food - Excellent: Service - Excellent. UPDATE: Visited this branch w/c 03/12/01 - the Service is
totally outstanding and surpasses that I have witnessed even in high class restaurants, their griddled mushrooms weren't too clever, but I didn't even feel guilty eating a fully breakfast as all of it had been griddled. Seating area offers both Smoking and Non-Smoking, and there is also a Burger King attached (all no smoking - although if Little Chef is quiet, they will allow you to take your food across). This branch also has a Travel Lodge alongside, a Petrol Station and unlike many other TL's, is within easy walking distance of a number of local hostelrys if you are ever looking for somewhere cheap to stay in this part of the world.
Hinckley, Leicestershire - Food - Good: Service - Good: Ambience lacking somewhat, environment is little more than a truck stop, but worth a visit.
Meriden, Warwickshire - Food - Good; Service - Good.
Leigh Delamare Services, M4 - Food - Excellent: Service - Good, if a little slow. 05/04/01 - Had a breakfast here yesterday - food as excellent with generous portions (Olympic breakfast) but the prices were higher than road-side Little Chefs - I got "stung" as they have changed their deal on discounts, and no longer offer discounts for AA Members - they do now however offer 20% discount for RAC members, although, like the discount, this change is not publicised anywhere - I understand discount policies change with Little Chef every year in June.
Needless to say, I didn't have an RAC card on me and got stung for £24 for 3 breakfasts. The lady in the shop was unclear as to whether the policy was different on the roadside stores, as we had discount with the AA two weeks ago on the A40.
Cardiff, Junction 30 - M4 - Food - Excellent: Service - I will not comment it really was that appalling.
Gilwern (A465 - Heads of the Valleys road - just outside Abergavenny) - RUBBISH, RUBBISH, RUBBISH - Absolutely chronic appalling customer service, cold food left sitting on the counter for a waitress for over 5 minutes, total failure to follow specific requests, and bringing the kids starters and drinks AFTER their main course. Upon complaining, I was firstly offered the address of the customer services department, and then told I could have the whole meal for free, if I didn't complain. Well, the meal was rubbish anyway, so much for free, and I didn't say I wouldn't write it here - so sorry Little Chef Gilwern - but my money will be staying safely in my pocket as I drive past at least twice a week - All Little Chefs have a customer care policy that if the meal is not up to scratch they will give it to you for free
March 2004 - Gilwern redeemed itself - an early morning meeting in Raglan combined with a bad accident and horrendous traffic jam saw me needing the loo, and as I was quite early for my appointment decided to give them a second chance, absolutely superb, really nice meal, excellent service, but I was the only person in there.
10/12/01 - and Another one (you can tell I am on my travels again) A40 - Llandeilo to Llandovery Road - just past Manordeilo Excellent Food and lots of it - coffee could have been a little hotter (and a little closer to the meal) - Standard Free Daily Mail and CONFIRMED - RAC DISCOUNT - although don't go switching sides for the price of a 20% discount on a Little Chef meal - the young lady advised me that they switch sides so regularly - she has to check each time she is asked. - Food 5/5 - Service 4/5
GOLD STAR AWARD 26/01/02 - Stafford Services (Moto) M6 - this outlet has a wide range of eateries, but not for me when there is a Little Chef on site - Can I just say that the Standard of care and service at this outlet is superb, far better than many 4 star hotels and restaurants I have visited on my travels - BUT, the best waiter is only about 4' 6" and tiny, he looks younger than my daughter but is actually 18 years old, apparently they have another waiter there who is c6' 4" - adds a new dimension to Little and Large - but hats off to Little Chef for giving him a chance - and this guy would win my vote for friendly, efficient and prompt service ANYDAY - TOP MARKS STAFFORD SERVICES - prices are a little higher than Roadside Little Chefs but rest assured this one is well worth a visit. Smoking and non-smoking sections of the restaurant
Think it has just stolen the Golden Star Award from Worcester, sorry Worcester.
FORMER GOLD STAR WINNER Worcester (A38) - between Worcester and Droitwich - just off the M5. Food - Breakfast outstanding although my other half tells me that the fish was somewhat lacking: Service: Outstanding. Ambience - pleasant.
My main complaint about Little Chefs is that there is not enough of them - A big fan? - Yes I am.
Agreed their food is not the cheapest around, but it is generally good quality, and if you get hold of a discount voucher you can get 25% off your bill.
PAYMENT Litte Chefs take all forms of payment, including, cash, electroniccards, luncheon vouchers, credit cards and cheques.
In summary: Good food, good service, plenty of discount vouchers and lots of promotions such as 1/2 price starters of desserts and free drinks refills.
I will update this opinion, when I have the good fortune to visit any more, and update on those mentioned above.
Carlisle (at least about 2 miles north on the A74). A rather cold windy and bleak location but the outlet seems quite new, it houses a travel-lodge, petrol station and the breakfast is good, they even listened to how I wanted my eggs cooked. I am told the mixed grill is pretty nifty as well.
================================
Updated 05/02/02 with a promotion, revisit and yet another a new location which I am afraid Worcester has stolen your long standing Gold Star Award.
=============================================Updated: 14/03/04 Little Chef's no longer offer discounts to RAC or AA members - however there are many vouchers around for those that care to keep an eye out in papers etc for them. Also, if you print out a map from www.multimap.com you will receive a voucher for 25% of the total price of the bill, this gave us a very nice meal last weekend in Worcester for less than £13 including drinks.
LAST UPDATED: 14/03/04 - Sue.51
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
hehehe oh the childhood memories. I remember these little restaraunts up all the motorways. the food was rubish, as was the service, but i just love little chef! :D x
littlepenguin 12.02.2002 12:09
I think ive been to the one in Leigh Delamere service station before, but I usually prefer Burger King or Macdonalds:)
KarenUK 07.02.2002 19:47
I have found all Little Chef food nice, but you often have to wait a long time.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Convenient, open 24 hour, clean, good service, food tasty and hot Disadvantages: slightly on the pricey side (but certainly comparable with other service stations)
sue.51 01.04.2001 (09.04.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Road Chef
Mar 24th, 2001
(Feb 5th, 2002)
very helpful by (100%):
