Restaurant Review: Christmas Menu at Frankie & Benny's

Christmas is everywhere at the moment, and if like me, one of your favorite parts of the festive season is the actual Christmas lunch, there is a chance to have an early preview, without all the hassle of children complaining about their likes and dislikes or the washing up afterwards.

Frankie and Benny’s at Spytty Park never fails to deliver the goods, as my family have discovered on several visits in recent years, presenting a menu that appeases both adults and children’s different tastes. This visit would be even better as we were greeted  by friendly staff members Emma and Jess, who saw that we were comfortable and enjoying our Frankie and Benny’s Christmas experience with all the trimmings including crackers party poppers and paper hats.

My wife, Rachel and I were longing to try the seasonal menu, and we could be certain that our children, Seren, Jon and Tom’s tastes would be satisfied with old favourites such as Frankie’s Hotdog and Margherita pizza. The latter, described by Jon as “Awesome!”

Rachel opted for the BBQ Grinder Rigatoni, a real combination of Christmas delights combining Meatball chunks, crispy bacon and pepperoni tossed with “tasty” rigatoni, diced roasted red pepper, red onion and Frankie & Benny’s signature BBQ sauce.

My choice for a main, Frankie’s Christmas Dinner is more traditional fare, taking the form of flavoursome roasted half chicken ,served with sausages in bacon, Christmas potatoes, green vegetables, pork, sage & onion stuffing, covered in meaty gravy and additional cranberry Sauce on request. I really enjoyed this festive treat, particularly as the Chicken was of great quality and cut as neatly as it tasted.

Rachel followed up a second course with a Bourbon Salt Caramel Cheesecake topped with bourbon salt caramel sauce and chocolate covered honeycomb pieces, served with vanilla ice cream on the side. Similarly, Seren enjoyed sampling the red velvet cake set against Ice Cream with a hint of Strawberry flavour.

As the boys played it safe with Ice Cream Sundaes and Chocolate Buttons (a firm favourite that even Seren had to return to), I plummeted for the Christmas Slice, a fair sized dessert portion with a hint of rum, served with warm custard.

A Two Course Festive Menu at Frankie and Benny’s will cost £16.95 per head and proves great value in a relaxed and fun environment whether out with friends or family.

Bill (Drinks & Extras not included):
1 Junior Hot Dog 7.75
2 Kids Margherita 8.50
2 Christmas - 2 Course 33.90
1 Christmas Top Up 3.00
Grand Total: 53.15

To visit Frankie & Benny’s, Newport Leisure and Retail Park, Seven Stiles Avenue, Newport
NP19 4QS call 01633 636 310 or visit frankieandbennys.com

This review was originally published in The South Wales Argus Entertainment Supplement The Guide during November 2014