Saved by the Chef (Little Chef)

Member Name: chang2

Product:	Little Chef
Date:	24/07/06 (316 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Convenient, clean and friendly service

Disadvantages: Limited menu

Once through the Dartford Tunnel it is a straight haul up the A12, to drive from London to East Anglia. However, there are no roadside cafes virtually from the moment you leave Catford all the way to Colchester. It was only when we reached the other side of the ancient roman and military town, two hours after leaving London, that we found anywhere to eat.

Indeed, there are about 4 Little Chefs within 20 minutes drive of each other (that's East Anglian logic for you!) Last weekend we stopped at the nearest, although in the past we have sampled the second adn third in line respectively. Apart from a few minor changes in layout, they are all pretty similar.

~~ Appearance ~~

An easy to spot plastic sign with logo of a white-hatted chef on a red background.

The facilties here are all on one level, so there are no stairs or lifts in the red brick building. There is also quite a large car park, bounded by fields and even a small stream behind the building. However, as a main route pit stop, surprisingly the car park is not completely drive through - we have to reverse or do an awkward u-turn in our Range Rover with trailer attached behind in order to leave the car park. (Guess who's been moving lots of funiture!)

~~ Menu ~~

Presented on a laminated card, it consists mainly of grills, cooked breakfast and hot drinks. I shared a cheese omlette and 'chefs salad' - fresh tomatoes, crisp green lettuce and slivers of red onion - with chips (or baked potato) with my partner. It was plenty for each of us, and they divided up between two plates and cutlery for us! Price: £5.99

Dad had a gammon steak with salad and chips, price approx £7. The plate was large and filling enough, although the chips cooked from frozen and barely brown, but hot.

There is currently a 'buy one get a refill free' offer for cups of tea and coffee, and capuccinos are also offered. However, I stuck to an orange juice (nicely served with ice and a straw), and a long glass of tap water (free every time I ask). My Dad also favours the toasted teacake, which is about the cheapest thing on the menu, and comes with a little pre-packed pat of butter and pot of jam.

~~ Other Facilities ~~

The cafe is obviously popular with long haul drivers, looking to stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat. To this end, it serves its purpose well. The toilets have always been functioning and clean in my experience, if unfailingly lacking in paper towels!

Also available, a few gossip magazines, newspaper, cold drinks and chocolate bars. It has never been jam packed with customers any time I have visited, which is usually about 3-5pm on a weekday or Saturday. The only time it was not nice, was on the hottest day last month, when the open door - 'the air conditioning is broken' - meant that the roar of the passing traffic nearby was clearly audible.

The staff have always been very pleasant, if a little bored looking, due to the underwhelming number of customers. It must be a strange place to work, stuck out on a main road all day, but they always meet and greet with enthusiasm and the food is prompty served and tables cleared efficiently. Really, there is not much more than you can ask. Overall, it is a welcome, if unimaginative, break from driving.

Summary: I thought the prices were quite high, the menu limited but the service was good