The Buffers

We must have hit a bad day. When we phoned we were neither told that the restaurant was being used for the buffet for the 18th birthday party being held that night nor that the menu was only steak or pizza. When we arrived we were asked where we would prefer to sit (restaurant or bar) and we said whichever was going to be quieter so were pointed towards the bar area between the pool table and the music and games machines. We had to ask for the piped music to be turned off once the disco music for the birthday party started - did nobody else realise there were two sources of music ?! We weren't told about the limited menu until we'd got drinks and were seated (we had to arrange a table and chairs for ourselves as the area where we sat seemed to just have a jumble of tables and chairs moved form the main bar area which had been taken over for the party). Perhaps we should have left then but as we didn't want to neck our drinks and go in search of another place to eat we persevered. We had seen the other food reviews and had been looking forward to a good Italian meal but settled for no starter (none on the menu) and Steak Diana which was good but a bit on the expensive side as it was only served with fries, half a large raw tomato and two small lettuce leaves. There was no offer of desert but by this time all we wanted to do was leave as the noise from the party was hardly what we had expected to accompany an evening meal. To be fair the chef did come and try to chat to us but we could barely hear him. We can understand that he must take bookings where he can in these tough times but his staff should warn potential customers what to expect. If we'd known we'd have waited and gone for Sunday lunch. To sum up - food OK but communications lousy.

The Buffers is home to a tremendous Italian restaurant called Orlando's. The food is fantastic - huge portions, so be careful how much you order! The specials' board always has fresh meat and fish dishes, and the a la carte has classical Italian dishes plus a great range of excellent pizzas.

Service is always friendly and the establishment is family run - Orlando in the kitchen and Zeba managing the bar and service. There is a very smart dining area should you wish seclusion, or you can eat in the bar. On a Sunday, they do a great carvery lunch, and I honestly don't know how they make money at the prices they charge.

If you're in the area, go for it - a great meal awaits you!

Nice fiendly pub which gives it a good atmosphere.