Crispy Pork Belly Crispy Pork Belly

Succulent pork belly, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with a tangy glaze.

Cafe Grand At Grasmere

Cafe Grand At Grasmere

Red Bank Road, LA22 9PU, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Food • Steak • Lodging • British


"Pros: -The facility is great. The hotel is very new, has air conditioning, and comfortable seating in the common area. The bathrooms and beds were all very comfortable. -The breakfast was of high quality with a lot of variety included in the breakfast package. -The location is perfect. It is a 3-minute walk from the town center, yet far enough away to offer beautiful views and peaceful mornings. Cons: -The establishment seemed to be understaffed or provide poor service. It was unclear whether the service was lacking or if they were simply short-staffed. There was never anyone at the front desk to offer basic tourist information. When we checked in late at 10pm, we found ourselves locked out with no staff visible, even though their email stated that check-in was possible until 12am. We had to call their emergency cell to get someone to the front desk. Additionally, during our first breakfast, we were questioned multiple times about our stay and room information. It seemed that the restaurant used to be open to the public, which is no longer the case. However, I did not see them questioning other guests as much as they did to us. We were the only non-white guests that I saw, which may have been a factor. However, the next morning, they recognized us and we had no further issues with the service. -There is no elevator. It is questionable to label yourself as "luxury" when guests are placed on the third floor and have to carry their luggage up two flights of very narrow, winding stairs. They did assist my elderly aunt, but did not offer help to the rest of us. Overall, it was an average experience. I enjoyed the rooms and the location, but I believe I could find better service and experience elsewhere. There are many charming inns in the area, so I would recommend choosing another option."

Mandarin Palace

Mandarin Palace

197-201 High St, RM11 3XT, Hornchurch, United Kingdom

Pizza • Sushi • Mexican • Asiatic


"After living in Hornchurch all my life, I decided to try the Mandarin Palace with a friend on a Friday night. We chose the set menu and asked one of the servers if we were able to swap some of the dishes on the menu (for other items which were similar in price) and she said that this was not a problem. When another server came over to take the order we were told that we were only able to swap 2 dishes. The starters were good (satay chicken, seaweed, ribs, spring roll, sesame prawn toast) and so were the duck and pancakes.. the main dishes did not live up to the same expectations sadly. The dessert from the set menu was fruit and a blob of vanilla ice cream and we asked if we could swap this dessert for just some ice cream but this was refused. It was tinned fruit and nothing special, cheap vanilla ice cream with some squirty strawberry sauce on top, surrounded by a grape, a clementine segment and a small square of melon. I did not see how two scoops of chocolate ice cream would have been an issue. It is very clear on the menu that a discretionary 10% is added to the bill, however we did not wish to pay the service charge as we felt that the service was not anything special (and the fact we weren’t able to swap tinned fruit for some ice cream also) and we had already paid enough for our food as it was more expensive than other places in the area. When the bill arrived, I advised that we are just going to pay for our food/drinks and we do not wish to pay for the service charge and the server asked what the problem was. I said that there wasn’t a problem, it is because it is discretionary. She said that she would have to get the manager and walked off. When she returned with the amended bill, this was in a stroppy manner, nothing further was said and we were made to feel unwelcome. We paid the bill and when we left no one said goodbye. We will not be returning sadly. Attitude around a discretionary service charge, when the food is expensive already and average is not really acceptable. Would maybe expect this charge from a restaurant in central London, but not from a local Chinese."