This is probably going to be a quick one as its a chain restaurant. Most people who eat out in town probably like the quirky, independent places or the slick 'look how cool we are' restaurants scattered about Mcr. However this is a pub chain that caters to the masses so therefore its not going to be fine dining. I think people give these places a tough review, probably based on what they have experienced from the city.
We came here last week as we needed a place that was child-friendly and had a play area - it did not disappoint. We got a table right next to the play area, every child shrieking got you right down to the toes. **Play area was free**
There were 4 adults and one 3 year old - We shared starters and each had a main course. I thought all the portions were very big, our child loved his chicken thingies (as they all do) and he wolfed them down before disappearing into the play area. Now we had 2 tbone steaks - always a challenge in generic pub chains but they actually pulled it off. They were tasty and moist and cooked very well. I do find that if you want medium rare in a pub chain, ask for rare as they often slightly over-cook it but this one was perfect. So good, we actually chewed on the bone afterwards. The mixed grill ordered was massive and was commented as being very delicious. We also had a cheese and onion quiche which was a wedge; I was suprrised when the meal was finished as it was massive. All in all we had a really filling, tasty and moderately priced meal. The mains were a bit slow on being served but to be fair to them, it was Friday evening, it was rammed and the waiting on staff did chase up the kitchen without us asking them. The restaurant is nicely decorated, with lots of nooks that you could sit in with even 2 semi-private dining areas that were walled off but you had a view of the play area. For when you love your kids enough to take them there, but not enough to warrant to be near them or anyone else.
Its probably not somewhere you would go for a romantic meal or to splash out but I was really really surprised on how good the meal was. Well done Mersey Farm, we'll be back soon to eat some grub and tire out our child! read more