It's never a good sign when you see a restaurant squeezing tables in to every corner and fire exit. Something screams 'desperation' much like the helpless cries of the staff. We booked ahead for this place, as it was a Saturday. But we were still made to wait at the back of a long queue, behind everyone who had walked in. After half an hour, we finally got seated upon a rather dirty makeshift table, which partially blocked the exit. It wouldn't have bothered me so much if our server hadn't run into our extended table every time he passed. Our server also had no idea about the things what we were ordering, and had to keep reading the menu - that's fine, he could be new. But then we come to the food. Firstly, the waiting time was catastrophic. If you can't cope with so many people, stop seating them in the aisle! The food itself was largely inconsistent. We received one cold starter, then five minutes later a hot one. And out of five of us, only one enjoyed their main. The rest of us found it either burned, cold, or completely the wrong order. The one thing I will say is that it is good for families, and parties, but for what you will pay per head, you can find much better quality in the area. For everyone else, bare in mind you will have to listen to the brain-numbing happy birthday song every ten minutes. read more

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The first time I went to this restaurant was in 2008 and since then I've been many times and never have I been disappointed. The service has always been good. You're usually seated straight away, the staff are friendly and polite and check in on you from time to time. The food is brilliant. It's well cooked and you certainly get what you pay for. It can get really busy at times (on the evening and at weekends for example) so the wait can be rather annoying. read more

There's nothing particularly wrong with Frankie and Benny's, I've eaten there several times and not died as a result yet, but there's nothing particularly outstanding to recommend it either. New York style diner serving up a fairly nondescript version of American-style food; burgers, pizza, pasta, pulled pork etc. Problem is that it's all quite bland, mediocre stuff and in my opinion there's far too much oil, cream and cheese in most of it and it ends up tasting unpleasantly greasy. It can get very busy at weekends and seems to be particularly popular with office parties and people celebrating birthdays; you can wait half an hour or thereabouts for a table and it can get rather lively. Large parties also tend to tie up the servers to the detriment of smaller groups and couples, so perhaps not the ideal destination for a romantic date. There's a backstory about the founders of Frankie and Benny's that is mentioned on the menus etc, but it's complete nonsense and nothing more than a marketing gimmick. To my mind that's a negative point- even if it's very minor. I probably would go to Frankie and Benny's again, but it's far from my favourite place to eat and there are better options in the area. Plus point- it's quite good if you have kids- assuming you get in before a drunken office party. read more

I have been to this restaurant on many occassions and mostly it has been ok, pretty average but ok. My last visit went wrong right from the beginning. I was seated at a table that had supposedly been cleaned but had dirty napkins & cutlery on it. I put my sleeve into some kind of tomato sauce that had also been forgotton about. I requested a different table and to be fair, the staff were accommodating to my request. I ordered the food & waited 45 mins before a waitress arrived and brought completely the wrong order & insisted it was correct. I assured her it wasn't and she took the food away. About 10 minutes later the manager came over & asked us to re-order because the kitchen never received our order! I was very disappointed with the service & we left without eating anything. read more

Frankie & Benny's has a really extensive menu. It is a combination of Italian and American cuisine so you are bound to find something you like on the menu. The restaurant was very busy when we ate there which has a positive and negative side to it. On the plus side the atmosphere was really buzzing. On the minus side it meant we waited what I felt was an unreasonably long time to be served for all of our courses including drinks orders as well. The food was pretty good but by no means great and not particularly good value for money. I would probably go again. read more

Restaurant was not busy and table was quickly found Drinks were quickly brought up. Menu seemed good and was looking forward to pizza But was dis-appointed, was very thin and over cooked, the topping was not substaintial. Was expecting great deal more to be comfort food. Other meals were not well done Have had better elsewhere Not recommended read more

great food and service

This is one of the best places to eat at Lakeside. From the minute you walk through the door you are embarrassed in warmth and the buzzing atmosphere. My children love it here. One of the main attractions is the milk shakes; they normally get through a couple each there are plenty of different varieties and of course the ice cream. The music is normally 60's and it feels like you are in the State's in a real diner. The food is plentiful and always good. The service could be a little quicker but the staff are always polite and cheerful. It is a good place for a larger party to go because of the fantastic atmosphere. read more

This is our second favourite restaurant in the Lakeside area, it has a great vibe about it. They have quiet music in the background with a little bar to the side of the tables where you could just go for a drink if you wanted. The tables seem clean and well spaced out. The members of staff are pleasant but seem very busy! I like the idea that you can see them in the kitchen cooking, as the room is open plan. There is plenty of car parking outside of the restaurant, there is also a Harry Ramsdens and a Gala Bingo situated in the same part of the park. read more

The Frankie and Benny's in Lakeside is a lovely, friendly resturant with a warm atmosphere and very nice staff. The food is always very nice and always arrives looking wonderful. The food is cooked fresh and you can see the chefs preparing your meal. The drinks in the restaurant are brilliant and you order from a variety of cocktails. The only downside is the music is slightly loud but it didnt put me off going back! read more

We love to go to Frankie & Benny's for birthdays and anniversaries. It has a lively buzzing atmosphere which welcomes and warms you. When you walk in it feels like an american diner, with the jazz sounds blaring out. The music is quite loud and some may find this annoying but most love it. If they are busy, you are given a pager and they buzz you when your table is ready. This gives you time to go to the bar and enjoy a drink. Do try one of their fabulous cocktails (they do them without alcohol as well). Their Benny's Banana Mocha is delicious, reminds me of being on holiday. Shown to our table, their menu consists of pizza, pasta, steaks and similar. I would recommend the New York Chicken with herb potatoes. The portions are quite large and substantial. Good food, but a little expensive. Do look out for vouchers on the net. They are always doing £5.00 off. If you sign up to their website they will email you offers as well. read more