Food

T.G.I. Friday’s Fareham Review

TGI_FridaysT.G.I. Friday’s
Fareham

www.tgifridays.co.uk

Reviewed by Nicola McCallum

As a single mum of three young boys I very rarely get the opportunity to go out for dinner and the thought of taking all three boys with me fills me with dread. When the opportunity came to review T.G.I. Friday’s I was a little nervous and prior to walking in to the restaurant all three of them were given ‘the chat’ to be on their best behaviour.

T.G.I.’s in Fareham is located near a residential area in Fareham away from the main town centre but near a local business park and Premier Inn. Due to its location is it very popular with locals and if you are going for a special occasion I would always recommend you book a table as it is often busy.

T.G.I.’s has a good sized car park which was well maintained. When we arrived we were instantly greeted by two friendly members of staff who took the time not only to speak with me but also addressed each of my children. Straight away my little ones loved the attention and each collected their own kid’s activity park before we were led to our table.

Once we were settled and I had negotiated with each child what they wanted for their dinner I was able to take in my surroundings. The restaurant was clean and tidy with a selection of tables and booths and a seating area around the bar where people could enjoy a drink if they found themselves waiting for a table. Within a few moments our waitress appeared ready to take our order. The children’s menu had a large selection of choices ranging from pizza, pasta, fish fingers, hotdogs, burgers and chicken. There was also a wide selection of drinks on offer too with the choice of milkshakes, slush, fruit shoots, squash and fizzy drinks. With such a large selection we did have a few last minute menu changes but our waitress was very patient and helped when we had a few moments of indecisiveness.

The main menu had a large selection of choices available it took me a while to make my own choice. In the end I decided to select a burger and some mozzarella dippers as a starter mainly to try something on the menu I have never had before. Our waitress was so helpful and gave the option to bring the children’s meals as soon as soon as they were ready to avoid the children becoming restless.

The kid’s activity pack was great. The activity book was good for a variety of ages. Colouring, puzzles and the best bit I was informed was drawing on features on blank faces. Unlike most kids activity packs we did not have the standard four colour crayon pack. Instead was a large stick stacked pencil which had a larger variety of colours which you could change by changing the block at the bottom. This managed to keep my boys amused for a record amount of time and then each boy was also presented with a very special balloon. We have had balloon from most places and each still holds the same amount of enthusiasm but this time we were presented with three dinosaur balloon animals.

Soon our food arrived. Each of the boy’s selections were of good size and each child seemed happy with their selection. The pizza came on pizza boards, a simple touch but it went down very well with the children and a little pot of cucumber, carrot, apple and peppers also seemed to be enjoyed. I was very pleased with my own selection. The burger was delicious and juicy and the seasoning on fries was lovely and so nice it was also enjoyed but each of my children.

Throughout the meal our waitress was very attentive without being in the way and catered to our every need. The children felt very much at ease throughout the meal and I didn’t have to constantly remind them to eat up their dinner which in itself showed how much they were enjoying their food. Since they all managed to devour their main meals ice-cream was on the menu and ice-cream sundae sweet shop won hands down. This was a selection of ice-cream with a flake and a sauce of their choice with a bag of sweets and some popping candy for them all to make their own ice-cream sundae. Once the excitement of what was on their plate died down I was then able to enjoy my own delicious sundae in complete and utter silence.

Normally all my time in a restaurant is involved trying to occupy and contain my three boys but with then happily amused throughout I was able to take notice of my surroundings. The restaurant was clean and tidy, the staff were well presented, approachable and friendly giving a lovely atmosphere. I found myself checking out the plates of other diner’s food passing my table trying to make a mental note of what to try on my next visit. During my visit I found myself sat next to one of the mums I see daily on the school run and she was also praising the service and the food and we found ourselves talking about how we should try to come out more often with the children as or experience was so good.

Overall I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. T.G.I. Friday’s manage to cater for families and with a large selection of cocktails also appeal to adult diners too. Normally when I eat with my children I don’t often enjoy my food as either I am rushing to finish so I can sort the boys out or I end up eating my food cold as I have to sort them out but not only did I enjoy my food but I managed to eat it warm too.

I would give T.G.I. Friday’s 5 out of 5. The food was good, the service excellent and the experience great and all at a reasonable price. It is normally a restaurant I would enjoy without the children but after my meal this evening I would certainly come back again with them.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

For more information, to view menus or to book a table visit www.tgifridays.co.uk/fareham.

T.G.I. Friday’s, 87 Southampton Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 6AF

5Star

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