(25 Nov 2016, 7:01 pm)Andreos1 wrote Without going in to too much detail, me and a group of mates head out every Christmas on the lash.
Done it for years.

Debating what to do this year and a few various options were identified.
We usually have a bite to eat and do 'something'.

One of my mates has suggested we get something to eat at Frankie & Benny's, before moving on and sent the menu.
Frankie and/or Benny need to hang their head in shame.
http://www.frankieandbennys.com/christmasmenu.pdf

I didn't realise anyone still went to Frankie's, not adults anyway. It's clear The Restaurant Group are trying to divert all the family trade toward F&B's while they capitalise on the higher spend adult leisure market with their other brands (Coast to Coast, Girraffe, Chiquitos, Brunning & Price etc).

I managed a F&B in Salford before I went off to do my own thing and I can't say a good thing about them. Value range products from Brakes is what they're serving - often under-portioned and watered down as managers desperately try to grab their cost-based bonus. 

If you're going to eat somewhere branded I'd vote for Botanist at the mo, though my fave Newcastle place is El Toro. It's not-complicated tapas on Side (near the Castle) - it's usually quiet and being a bit more 'adult' they don't mind you having a few bevs during the day.