Play at Brewers Fayre Coach House Review
Reviewed by Hannah Abbott
Saturday saw the relaunch of the Brewers Fayre Coach House in Manchester new play area. It was one of the first play areas that seemed like even the toddlers could go up to the top area rather than it being restricted to the over 5s. Unfortunately my toddler was too nervous that he didn’t know the area so wouldn’t go in the higher area because he would have to go on his own. Parents aren’t allowed in the play area which makes sense when it’s busy, I would hope they would be able to go up when it’s quiet because otherwise my toddler wouldn’t go up as he wouldn’t have the choice of gaining confidence.
With a separate area for craft there is a nice calm place for the kids to take a moment and calm themselves. With Dennis the Menace on the television and beanbags dotted around for comfort it is a lovely area. Throughout the event a member of staff was in the colouring area engaging with the children. Unfortunately, after the meal when the event was almost over you could see a different side of this area. After being kept neat and tidy throughout the event it was a shame to see it looking a bit worse for wear after the meal, hopefully it wasn’t like that for long but I never saw it again.
Dennis and Gnasher joined us a number of times throughout the day and the children had the opportunity to have photos and cuddles. This was the highlight of the day for my son. He loves seeing characters and he even spent some time having a dance with Dennis.
The food on the day surprised me a little. I wasn’t expecting it to taste as good as it did. For my main I chose smothered chicken. It was chicken with bacon and melted cheese. Generally it also has a bbq sauce in it, but not in this instance – it had it as a dip. Initially I was in two minds about the bbq sauce being as a dip but then realised how great it was when I had had enough bbq sauce but I could continue with my chicken. My son had the hot dog and chips. I loved that it comes with a little dip dish of ketchup and a corn on the cob in the same size dish. Looking around at the other children’s meals it did appear that only my son’s meal was in a basket with Dennis the Menace paper underneath like in the American diners. It would have been nice to see the other children’s meals in the basket as well because then it shows consistency although I am wondering whether it is because a hot dog is finger food. For desert I had chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream. The fudge cake was warmed slightly and was absolutely delicious. It did however have what appeared to be Brownies on top which I didn’t like but it wouldn’t stop me ordering that desert. My son had jelly and ice cream, he was happy tucking in and there was definitely no complaints from him.
Overall it was a great day and he definitely slept for us that night but unless I was taking other children I wouldn’t take him again as he won’t venture up to the top area.
Overall I would rate it 4 out of 5 for setup and staff but my boy just doesn’t have the confidence.
Rating: 4/5
For more information, to view menus or to book a table visit:
www.brewersfayre.co.uk/pub-restaurant/Lancashire/Coach-House-Eccles.html
Brewers Faye, Trafford Centre, Wilderspool Wood, Manchester, M17 8WW | 0161 748 3258
