It seems to me there has always been snobbery around chain
restaurants, probably because their food is cheap and nothing special. However,
having visited many independent pubs for a lunch or dinner I have found that I
would prefer to visit a chain restaurant because I know it’s likely to be edible
food and it will definitely cost less.
The key to eating out is deciding whether you want a food
and drink experience (and you willing to pay for it) or you just want something
simple, quick and wallet friendly. With the latter in mind, here are my top 5 budget
restaurants and pubs.
5. Toby Carvery
I’ll be honest; I’m not a fan of Carvery’s. This is probably
because I don’t like roast dinners that aren’t home cooked. However, Toby
Carvery offer large portions of food for very low prices that are hard to
ignore and, having been a few times, the food is always of a consistent
quality. You would struggle to go home hungry.
4. Harvester
Harvesters are relatively good around farmhouse style
restaurants. There is lots of choice and the food is usually quite good and
very cheap for what you get. They do have more expensive options that I
wouldn’t necessary recommend, but as far as a simple meal out is concerned it’s
pretty good.
3. Nando’s
While I have not been to Portugal, I imagine that Nando’s is
about a representative of Portuguese cuisine as Dominos is of Italian. I also
understand this chain originated in South Africa, which I find confusing.
Nando’s food is always nice and in my teenage years this was
mine and my friends chosen eatery but having eaten every variation of their
chicken a few times over, i did get quite bored of their food. I’m told that
their vegetarian options are quite good (an odd fact for a chicken orientated
restaurant) and I always enjoyed bottomless drinks which made me feel like I
could make my money back in Fanta.
Also, I’m sure that any employee of Nando’s is sick of
hearing “I think I’ll have the chicken!” ha…ha…
2. Hungry Horse
This is a chain where I have eaten plenty of times,
primarily due to the price and selection. When it comes down to it I’m a
burger, chips and beer kind of guy with the occasional venture to something
more BBQ orientated, so for me this chain ticks all the boxes.
Their deals are especially enticing, such as the big plate
specials, which give you a big ole pile of food usually less than a tenner.
Again, don’t expect anything ground breaking, but you will get a good meal for
a low price with enough choice to satisfy everyone.
1. Weatherspoon’s
For me this was the obvious choice as the best cheap
pub/restaurant. I have eaten in plenty of Weatherspoon’s across the UK and
that’s because I know exactly what to expect. They all have the same menu, with
the same deals and their drinks are always the cheapest around.
Our local Weatherspoon’s isn’t just a place where we eat,
but it’s also the first place on our nights on the town. In my books, if you
can get a burger with chips and a beer for under £5, that’s a win and a good
way to start a late afternoon drinking session.
They also usually stock a good selection of international beers, ciders
and local ales.
Weatherspoon’s do have food that isn’t so great, but it’s
surprisingly few and far between, especially considering you can get a meal for
the same price as a McDonalds. My recommendation for a meal at a Weatherspoon’s
is a Gourmet Burger or Hot dog, I do enjoy cheese and BBQ.
To summarise, for the money, Weatherspoon’s can’t be beaten
and for me it’s hard to justify going anywhere else if I just want to eat for
cheap.
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