How to celebrate a birthday at a restaurant

Whether it’s your birthday or you’re planning someone else’s, a restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate: there’s plenty of space, delicious food and a great atmosphere – it ticks all the boxes! Let’s explore exactly how to celebrate a birthday at a restaurant and what mistakes to avoid.

How do you plan a birthday celebration at a restaurant?

Planning any form of birthday celebration can seem intimidating, so it’s important to prepare in advance to avoid any last-minute (unwelcome) surprises. Restaurants are a wonderful way to bring people together and celebrate with friends and family in one place. Let’s take a look at how to have the best birthday in a restaurant…

Take your time to choose a restaurant

Whether you’re choosing a restaurant for yourself or a loved one, it’s important you pick somewhere that can accommodate a celebration, has the right ambience and is loved by the birthday boy or girl! Most restaurants can accommodate smaller birthday celebrations but anything over ten people definitely needs to be checked in advance. The ambience is also a vital component when it comes to choosing the right restaurant for a birthday celebration. Do they like a laid-back relaxed atmosphere? Or are they a fan of a more lively party? Take this into account when picking the perfect restaurant for your party.

Decide on a menu that everyone will enjoy 

Obviously, whoever’s birthday it is should be the priority when choosing the cuisine, but having a menu that everyone will enjoy makes the celebration much more fun! This is why all you can eat buffet restaurants are a great option as they offer cuisines from all over the world, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy from Indian curries to sushi and British roast dinners. Not to mention the fact everyone can indulge in seconds (or thirds)! Buffet restaurants are also designed to accommodate large groups — they have a ready-made lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to host a birthday celebration. 

Make the restaurant aware that you’re celebrating a birthday 

Turning up to a restaurant with a large group without booking is never a good idea. So, it’s important to always book in advance in order to prevent any disasters! When booking, you can let the restaurant know that it’s for a birthday celebration, this way the restaurant can accommodate the party and might even go the extra mile to make it a special event. 

Inform your guests of the timings and dress code 

Whether you’re throwing a surprise party or not is completely up to you. However, everyone should still be fully aware of the time to turn up and what the dress code is! Some restaurants have time limits on bookings, so it’s important that everyone turns up on time to enjoy the celebrations fully. If there’s a dress code, it’s important to make sure everyone’s aware, especially for those birthday snaps!

Can you decorate a restaurant for a birthday party? 

Some restaurants will allow for decorations including balloons, banners and confetti. However, you should always have this agreed with the restaurant beforehand and follow any safety regulations in place. You may even be able to bring your own birthday cake or request that the restaurant provides one to make the celebration extra special. This is why it’s so important to let the restaurant know that it’s a birthday beforehand so that any extra requests can easily be accommodated.

Restaurant birthday parties are a wonderful way to celebrate with friends and family, making the ideal setting. If you follow the steps above, you’re on the way to enjoying a seamless birthday celebration that everyone will enjoy.

Make your birthday memorable here at COSMO. Experience a culinary journey at our Edinburgh, Bournemouth, or Aberdeen restaurants. Delight in a rich array of flavours, from diverse cuisines to irresistible desserts – all within a single venue! Reach out to us now to secure your reservation and allow us to transform your special occasion into an unforgettable culinary celebration!

How to prepare for an all you can eat buffet

Heading to an all you can eat buffet is exciting – there’s just so much food available to you and you can try it all! However, you don’t want to end up not making the most out of your experience. This is where preparation is key…

Can you prepare for an all you eat buffet?

As strange as it sounds, you should prepare in advance for an all you can eat buffet in order to get the most out of the experience and enjoy the tasty food fully. So, here are some top tips so you can ace your next buffet visit!

Eat a light breakfast or lunch before the buffet 

You might think that attending an all you can eat buffet on an empty stomach is the right idea but it’ll actually prevent you from eating as much. When you don’t eat for a while, your stomach shrinks, meaning you feel full after eating less. So, always eat a light meal beforehand to prepare your stomach for the buffet feast!

Drink plenty of water beforehand 

It’s never a bad idea to stay hydrated and sipping on water throughout the day before your buffet can actually help you eat more and process the food better. Water can help to stretch your stomach and enable you to eat more, which is very much needed at an all you can eat buffet. All of that delicious food needs to go somewhere, which is why being hydrated is key, it helps to break down food and aids digestion.

Avoid sugary sweets before your buffet 

As tempting as it is to snack on a couple of sugary sweets, it’s not worth it as it’ll ruin your appetite – your mother was right! Sugary sweets will cause you to crave more sweet foods, meaning all of the delicious dishes on offer at a buffet won’t be fulfilling. Your appetite will be diminished and your all you can eat buffet won’t be as enjoyable. 

Keep active throughout the day

If you want to enjoy all of the tasty dishes on offer at an all you can eat buffet, then you’ll want to burn some calories beforehand so that you can eat them back without feeling full too quickly! Try to keep active or fit in a gym session before your big buffet. Not only is this good for your body but will also kickstart your metabolism, meaning you’ll be more ready than ever to chow down. 

Take small portions of each dish 

Whilst it might be tempting to load up on your one favourite dish, the whole idea of all you can eat buffet dishes is to sample new flavours. Filling your plate with a little bit of everything will keep things exciting and prevent you from filling up on pasta before sampling the delicious Chinese, Indian and European flavours! It also gives you the chance to figure out which dishes you enjoy most, so you can go back for seconds (and thirds) of your favourite flavours. This is the real way to get the most out of your buffet experience. 

Don’t eat too fast!

Having such large amounts of food on offer can trigger some people to try and eat as much as possible as quickly as possible. This isn’t the best approach as not only will you not take the time to actually taste and enjoy the food you’re eating but you could also end up overeating and making yourself feel sick. This can ruin the buffet experience. Instead, take your time to enjoy all of the delicious flavours, before going back for more! 

All you can eat buffets are designed to be enjoyed with friends and family. Focus on trying new dishes, relishing old favourites and enjoying the great company, that way, you’ll definitely get the most out of the experience!

Prepare for a feast of flavours at COSMO’s all-you-can-eat restaurants! Whether you’re in Doncaster, Norwich, or Reading, embark on a culinary adventure. Ready your appetite, explore diverse cuisines, and savour every moment of this delightful dining experience. Contact us today to reserve your spot.

Places to Eat in Romford

Where to eat in Romford for comfort food

For the ultimate comfort food stop in Romford, there’s no need to look any further than Toby Carvery. Home of the classic British roast, you’ll be greeted with a mouth-watering feast of hand-carved meats, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, tasty veg and heart-warming roasties. Vegans and vegetarians are welcome too with a variety of delicious dishes including a tempting roast mushroom and ale pie. Feeling adventurous? Then why not indulge in the Yorkie wraps with a mouth-watering array of fillings?! From freshly carved roast beef with a delightful beef dripping glaze to roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce, these Yorkie wraps are famous for a reason! Popping in for breakfast? Then the all you can eat breakfast spread certainly won’t disappoint. Perfect for families in Romford, Toby Carvery is warm, welcoming and the ideal place for your comfort food fix.

Where to eat in Romford for the best burgers

Sometimes you’re simply craving a juicy burger with some salted, crispy french fries. For the best burgers in Romford, Smokin’ Griddle is the place to be. For over 8 years the restaurant has been sourcing and cooking with the highest quality cuts of beef, ensuring a delicious burger each and every time. Customers can either order online and enjoy a top-notch burger from the comfort of their own home or pop into the restaurant for a cosy meal with friendly and attentive staff. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the burgers – from the Signature which features bacon, hash browns and cheese to the Black & Blue with mushrooms and blue cheese sauce. The veggie and vegan burgers are hugely popular too with delicious plant-based patties. The sides certainly won’t disappoint with skinny fries, chicken strips and mozzarella sticks, you can curate quite the feast. Don’t forget to top it off with a temptingly thick milkshake with the choice of vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or banana. Perfect for a cosy movie night at home or popping in for a quick bite to eat with the family, these are burgers you won’t forget about in a hurry!

Where to eat in Romford for Turkish food

Turkish cuisine offers a rich selection of juicy grilled meats and tasty small dishes (mezes) which caters for a wide variety of tastes. For Turkish food in Romford, Mangal Meze is certain to satisfy. The welcoming atmosphere greets you the moment you walk in with warm Turkish hospitality and cosy, stylish decor. Customers are spoilt for choice with the extensive menu from hot and cold starters including creamy houmous and fresh falafel, to the tasty kebabs with the iconic lamb doner with succulent slow-cooked meat, to chicken shish charred over charcoal. Mangal Meze uses only the freshest, most traditional Turkish ingredients for its delicious dishes. Customers can choose to eat in and soak up the warm atmosphere but make sure you book early as it’s extremely popular! Or, you can enjoy Turkish food from the comfort of your own home with the takeaway service. Perfect for couples, groups and families, Mangal Meze welcomes all.

Where to eat in Romford with the family

Eating out with the family can cause some drama – the kids want pizza, mum wants sushi whilst dad fancies a curry, where do you go?! COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, that’s where! The perfect solution for large groups and families, COSMO offers an all you can eat world buffet featuring dishes from India, China, Britain, Italy and so much more. Authentic cuisine is produced by expert chefs with traditional ingredients and cooking methods. Kids will love watching the professionals at work with the live cooking stations, showing you how the tasty food is prepared and offering an exciting atmosphere. A common family favourite is Chinese and COSMO’s generous buffet won’t disappoint. From Peking duck with tangy plum sauce to chow mein with moreish noodles and fresh vegetables. Or, if you’re after an authentic Indian, the creamy chicken korma and fluffy naan bread will go down a treat. You won’t want to skip dessert either with indulgent cheesecakes, light trifles and creamy ice cream. The perfect location for families, COSMO brings a lively atmosphere with food for absolutely every craving.

Where to eat in Romford for afternoon tea

After a morning of shopping and exploring the area, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing cup of tea and a cake. Small Talk Tearooms is the place to visit for an exquisite afternoon tea in Romford. The beautiful antique decor will instantly draw you in, transporting you back to a time when afternoon tea was very much a daily affair in Britain. The food menu extends far beyond cakes and scones with a delicious breakfast selection including a hearty full English and a classic eggs benedict. The lunch options boast a tempting smoked salmon platter, jacket potatoes and toasted baguettes for a filling pitstop. If you’ve come for the afternoon tea experience, Small Talk Tearooms won’t let you down. The full afternoon tea features a stunning selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked delicate cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream and, of course, a pot of tea (or coffee). The tea selection is extensive from classic black teas to fruit infusions, including Granny’s Garden which offers a delightful blend of elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and much more. 

Where to eat in Liverpool

Where to eat in Liverpool for breakfast 

The much-loved Luca is an Italian restaurant that has earnt some incredible reviews. The eatery was built on passion for food, and features Italian classics along with Italian ‘small plates’, inspired by cicheti, small dishes of authentic Venetian delicacies. If you’re looking for somewhere special to eat breakfast in Liverpool this is the place. Of course Luca serves traditional breakfast favourites, such as the English and vegan breakfasts. But if you want something different, try Luca’s Italian twists on breakfast faves, such as the panettone french toast, with amaretto maple syrup, seasonal fruit compote and whipped mascarpone. Or perhaps you want to try the satisfying breakfast sandwich, with sausage, bacon, fried eggs and mozzarella, served on olive-oil rich focaccia… alternatively there’s the ‘nduja scrambled egg on artisan sourdough with chilli agrodolce and mascarpone… it’s going to be hard to choose!

Where to eat in Liverpool if you‘re vegetarian or vegan

Bohemian, relaxed and so much more than delicious food, The Egg Cafe is one of the favourite vegetarian restaurants in Liverpool. They serve comfort vegetarian and vegan food with a wholesome, homemade vibe. While you enjoy the food you can admire the panoramic views of the city and the cafe’s independent art gallery. The cafe is also community-spirited and the perfect meeting place and hangout, with a calendar of organised events to enjoy. The entire menu is plant-based and many dishes are vegan and gluten and dairy free. How about trying one of their famous spicy bean burgers with some homemade lemonade and a large slice of cake? And if you’re there on a sunday, you can opt for their vegan nut roast with all the trimmings and seasonal vegetables. It’s worth noting that they sell beer and wine, or you can BYO, just paying £2 per person for corkage. So if you have a special bottle of something in your cupboard at home, you can bring it along!

Where to eat in Liverpool for traditional English cuisine

The cool and sultry Hanover Street Social is part of a group of restaurants under Salt House Hospitality Group; a group of hugely successful and sophisticated restaurants in Liverpool. Their formula clearly gets things right; seeking to go that extra mile for each and every customer. The interior is cool and alluring, with filament bulbs, velvet curtains and bistro tables. And the food is designed to live up to the Salt House group’s excellent reputation. They serve some comforting British classics that will make your mouth water. Examples include: chicken, leek and mushroom pot pie with chips with mushy peas, or crisp pork belly with sautéed new potatoes, caramelised onions, buttered green beans, cauliflower purée and red wine jus. British faves are also on offer on the pudding menu  including the ever-popular sticky toffee pudding and a selection of Cheshire farm ice cream.

Where to eat in Liverpool for a unique dining experience

If you’re wondering where to eat in Liverpool for a unique dining experience, head to COSMO Authentic World Kitchen. The talented team of chefs at COSMO create over 100 dishes every day, with eight different cuisines, served in a buffet style. Diners can choose from Chinese, Japanese sushi or Teppanyaki, Indian, Italian, Continental, a Mediterranean deli, a tasting kitchen and a carvery. There are unlimited courses, just for one set price. But COSMO is not just about the food (as delicious as it is), the whole experience is enjoyable. There are live cooking stations, mouth-watering aromas, visually appealing food displays (from beautifully presented sushi to deletable chocolate fountains). And not forgetting COSMO’s robots Bella and Hola who can guide you to your table, assist staff members and even sing ‘Happy Birthday’!

Where to eat in Liverpool if you love steak

Beef lovers unite! For the finest quality steak, you have to try Cowshed. Each different cut of meat has an optimum cooking method to achieve the best flavour and tenderness. The expert staff members are able to advise you on how each steak should be cooked to ensure you enjoy the best. The steak here is clearly the star of the show, but while waiting for your succulent steak to cook, you can graze on some, er, more beef, such as Gold Standard Wagyu Biltong or Platinum Edition Wagyu Jerky. Or you can mix things up and try some moreish brie, mozzarella and truffle bread, with chopped walnuts and red wine syrup. They’ve also got some heavenly veggie sides like savoy cabbage and kale in spiced bacon cream to accompany your steak…mmmh…

Where to eat in Newcastle

Where to eat in Newcastle for fine dining

If you’re looking for the highest quality food and a memorable meal, look no further than the Michelin-starred House of Tides. Your fine dining experience will be expertly curated as soon as you enter the building. The building itself is a beautiful 16th century merchant’s house with views over the River Tyne that Kenny and Abbie Atkinson (husband and wife) restored. A professional chef for over 20 years, Kenny is Chef Patron and his tasting menu is a dazzling display of culinary creativity that’ll delight your senses. Kenny’s culinary success has led to him becoming a familiar face on TV (including winning The Great British Menu for two years in a row and appearances on ITV’s Saturday Morning, Islands to Highlands and BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, to name a few). So you can rest assured that you’re in good hands and that the highest quality ingredients are used and locally sourced. Examples of delicacies on the seasonal tasting menu include venison tartare with caviar, smoked beetroot and lovage, or turnip ravioli with hispi cabbage, toasted hazelnuts and chives.

Where to eat in Newcastle for Italian cuisine 

If you want to travel to Sardinia but your bank account is telling you otherwise, then a visit to Pani’s Cafe to sample traditional Sardinian food is the next best thing. Try some malloreddus (Sardinia’s famous pasta shape) which scoops up the flavoursome sauces perfectly. Or enjoy tasting some different tapas bites or their impressive bottarga con spaghetti (salted and dried tuna or grey mullet roe). If you’re bored of the usual pizza and pasta choices in Italian restaurants, then this is a cafe where you can try new flavours and textures and smell rich aromas. While the food could be described as rustic and warm, the ambience matches. You’ll be welcomed — and that warmth is genuine. 

Where to eat in Newcastle for British cuisine 

Fancy some British cuisine and want to splash out? Then Peace & Loaf is your place. This innovative restaurant promises fine dining without the pomp. It’s won two AA Rosettes and a mention in the Michelin guide, so you know that you’re in for a treat. The food is served in seasonal tasting menus and offers an inventive take on traditional British cuisine using locally sourced produce. This genius comes from renowned Head Chef Dave Coulson. And for vegetarians who don’t want to eat another dry goat’s cheese parcel; you’re sure to be wowed at Peace & Loaf because their veggie options are just as exciting and can be adapted for vegans if you ask. As the tasting menus are seasonal, they are subject to change, but expect Peace & Loaf takes on traditional British fare in a mini size. For example ‘fish, chips and mushy peas’ in a croquette, seasoned with chip-shop curry sauce and salt. British bite-sized heaven.

Where to eat in Newcastle for a special occasion 

COSMO Authentic World Kitchen is a stylish 160-seat restaurant and bar located on Newgate Street, with a lavish interior inspired by five-star hotels. This all you can eat buffet is the perfect place for a special occasion. If you’re celebrating in a large group, the buffet will cater for everyone’s different preferences and dietary needs. And no complicated party bill splitting at the end: you pay a fixed price for a delicious and unlimited amount of food including Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Mediterranean and a wide array of spectacular desserts. There’s nothing worse than choosing a restaurant for a special occasion but there’s no atmosphere. COSMO is always buzzing, and to add to the excitement, there are live cooking stations, showcasing the talents of the highly skilled chefs. Don’t forget that there’s champagne to pop and cocktails to sample on the drinks menu so you can celebrate in style.

Where to eat in Newcastle for a street food experience 

For a Thai street food experience, without actually being on a Bangkok street, head to Zaap Thai. But how does that work? The clever team at Zaap Thai have created a fully immersive experience. And they think of everything: the sights, the smells, the tastes. You can eat your street food inside a tuk-tuk while surrounded by a feast for your eyes: the brightly coloured and visually appealing Thai decor. And the street food lives up to the fabulous decor. The menu has so many dishes to choose from you’ll have to keep coming back to try them all. They include exciting and well-loved dishes like som tam, the ‘Queen of Thai street food’, a spicy papaya salad with dried prawns, peanuts, raw crab and fermented fish. Or the famous Thai street food snack — deep-fried sliced banana in sweet crispy batter. Just like on a Thai street, you can watch your food order being made as there is an open kitchen. The drinks menu is just as extensive and includes fun bubble teas in many different flavours and combinations. 

Best Restaurants in Bournemouth

Where to eat in Bournemouth for a sea view

Overlooking Bournemouth Beach, the sea view is spectacular from WestBeach. And their story is pretty incredible: the brothers who own WestBeach used to sell melons to tourists along the promenade when they were children. Fast-forward to adulthood and the restaurant unit on the beachfront came up for tender, so they jumped at the chance. Their instinct was right, because they created a hugely successful restaurant from humble beginnings. And in 2007, their restaurant was awarded by Seafresh best Seafood restaurant in England. WestBeach is the perfect setting to eat fresh fish. And it’s all caught from the local waters around Bournemouth and Poole. If you fancy an early morning walk on the beach, finish it with WestBeach crab benedict and avocado on toast and soak in that view!

Where to eat in Bournemouth if you‘re vegetarian or vegan

Although The Coconut Tree is not specifically a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, there are so many delectable vegan options on the menu that you will find it hard to choose! The mango curry Amba Maluwa is a taste sensation: tangy, sweet and sour. The striking flavour comes from using unripe mango which is softened in the coconut sauce. Or how about the kale and radish sambol: fresh kale tossed with onion, grated coconut, tomatoes and lime. The puddings are just as exciting. Try the vegan stracciatella (hand-crafted chocolate-chip ice cream) or creamy raspberry ripple mousse with a fresh compote base, topped with a dusting of chilli. 

Where to eat in Bournemouth for an all you can eat buffet

For those times when you have different food cravings and dietary requirements within your dining party (pretty much every time!) then head to COSMO, a world buffet restaurant offering a variety of different cuisines on an ‘all you can eat’ basis. The restaurant interior is stylish with a bronze colour scheme and ambient lighting. Whether you fancy a roast, Chinese, Indian, Japanese or Italian — it’s all here. Plus, the live cooking stations make the experience theatrical; the COSMO chefs will wow you with their skills. Dessert is also a very personal choice — have you ever felt obliged not to order a dessert as your fellow diners aren’t ‘pudding people’? Well at COSMO, it won’t feel strange to all choose different food or drinks to end the meal. Cheesecake, profiteroles, a dip in the chocolate fountain, some fresh fruit or jasmine tea, whatever you fancy. And the drinks are plentiful: cocktails, beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks… They’ll be something for everyone. 

Where to eat in Bournemouth for fish and chips

Once voted Britain’s best fish and chip shop, Chez Fred maintains its excellent reputation. Since opening in 1989, the well-loved chippie has been run by three generations of the Capel family who offer their customers the nation’s best fish and chips along with a warm welcome. The sustainable fish is covered with an inimitable batter (Fred’s recipe remains top secret!) And the chips are done to perfection. In fact, if you are eating in, the chips are ‘bottomless’ so you can eat as many as you like! 

Where to eat in Bournemouth with kids

El Murrino, you had us at ‘iPad bar’! Yes, there is such a thing, and it’s here at El Murrino. An iPad bar that has been purposefully created for entertaining your kids. Along with iPads, they have plenty of mouth-watering pizza. So essentially, El Murrino is kid (and adult) heaven. The pizza isn’t just any pizza either, it’s hand-stretched using slow-rising dough and authentic Italian ingredients. There are also some delicious pasta and risotto dishes on the menu. And this family-run gem has an open kitchen so you can see your order being skillfully created. They even have a bambino menu, which your children’s faves are sure to be on. And with a pudding on offer like Nutella pizza served with strawberries to finish…this will probably become a regular haunt! 

Kids can eat for just £1 at COSMO Derby – with the proceeds going to Derby County Community Trust

At COSMO we have always been proud to demonstrate our social responsibility, especially by being an active part of the community and supporting local charities.

COSMO Derby are supporting Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) who use the longstanding reputation of Derby County Football Club to improve lives through sport, physical activity and education. Their specially designed programmes raise the hopes and aspirations of people living in Derby.

DCCT run physical activities for disabled people and those suffering with mental health issues. Their most recent initiative is Team Talk – free sessions held across Derby where men can talk about their mental health to trained professionals.

They also fundraise for the award-winning ‘Rams in Kenya’ which is an annual trip the Trust makes to the slums of Nakuru in Kenya. Volunteers from DCCT aim to improve the facilities at five partner schools.

 

How you can get involved

Youngsters can eat for just £1 at COSMO Derby next month – with the proceeds going to DCCT.

COSMO Derby is proudly launching ‘Charity Tuesdays’ on September 10 with every £1 being donated to the Trust.

Ahead of the launch of Charity Tuesday, COSMO Derby will welcome Derby County mascot Rammie to their city centre restaurant. Rammie will be at COSMO Derby during lunch on Friday, August 30 to the delight of young fans.

COSMO Derby Maitre d’, Wee K Goh, said: 

“Derby County Community Trust is a magnificent charity which does some incredible work. We hope this is the beginning of a long relationship with them.

Our Kids Eat for £1 initiative last year, where our chosen charity was When You Wish Upon A Star, worked very well and we’re hoping for similar success with Derby County Community Trust. 

 

We are long-established partners of Derby County Football Club – and offer season ticket holders 10% off their meal at COSMO – and so it was a natural progression to work with the charity arm of the club.”

 

At COSMO, we make sure that all our restaurants are welcoming to families and we offer dishes which are attractive to all different tastes. Children will love the independence of a banqueting restaurant where they can help themselves and parents will love this special offer!

 

The COSMO Derby Charity Tuesdays will run until November 19 and their aim is to raise as much money as possible for DCCT. Every child eating at COSMO Derby must be accompanied by one full paying adult and the offer applies to Tuesday lunchtimes and evenings.

 

Simon Carnall, Derby County Community Trust’s Head of Community, said:

 “We are delighted with the support from COSMO. It’s a pleasure to work with them and we can’t thank them enough. Every donation helps us to continue to bring our wide range of projects – such as Team Talk and Rams in Kenya – to the people of Derby.”

 

We are thankful at COSMO to have an incredible opportunity to make lives better through fundraising for charities. We also have the chance to engage with the lovely people who visit our restaurants, which provides a fantastic way to spread messages about the charities we are working with.

For more information on Derby County Community Trust please visit: 

https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/

Places to Eat in Doncaster

Are you planning a trip to the historic market town of Doncaster in South Yorkshire? Here’s a list of some of the best places to eat there. From wholesome vegan and vegetarian treats to a global buffet with dishes from around the world, there’s something for everyone.

Where to eat in Doncaster for authentic Turkish food

If you love Mediterranean food you won’t be able to resist this authentic Turkish restaurant.

Lalezar Barbecue and Meze Restaurant offers a diverse menu of Turkish cuisine, from shish kebabs made with fragrant marinated meat to grilled Cypriot cheeses sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.

There are also plenty of equally delicious plant based options. Vegetarians should not miss the unbeatable imam bayildi – a sumptuous aubergine stuffed with onions, pine nuts, mushrooms, peppers and blackcurrants – and vegans will no doubt enjoy some of the best falafel and hummus they have ever tasted.

Where to eat in Doncaster for afternoon tea

Enjoy a classic afternoon tea at The Village Teapot. This friendly tea room in Arksey is family-owned and run by two sisters – Sarah and Kate.

Serving locally-sourced food and drinks, you can choose from a delicious range of sandwiches, home made cakes and scones baked by Kate.

With hot food all made fresh every day on the premises, there is even a menu just for little ones.

Where to eat in Doncaster for convenience

If you’d like to enjoy a banquet of foods from around the world and watch the spectacle of them being cooked fresh before your very eyes, it’s time to pay a visit to COSMO Doncaster’s all you can eat buffet.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with a whole range of food from around the world on the global buffet menu, from a sophisticated deli platter of Mediterranean olives, cheese and charcuterie to a classic English roast.

For the best possible value, pay a trip to COSMO between midday and 3:30pm, as you can enjoy a delicious lunch for just £8.99 from Monday to Friday.

If you’ve got little ones with small appetites, it’s no problem. At COSMO, kids under 150cm tall eat for half price every day of the week.

COSMO Doncaster is also extremely easy to get to. Located in Frenchgate shopping centre in the very heart of the city, you can visit for lunch then resume your day out, all without leaving the centre of Doncaster.

Where to eat in Doncaster if you’re a cheese lover

If you like cheese, you’ve come to the right place by making a trip to Doncaster. You’ll find some of the best cheeses in Doncaster at The Chuckling Cheese Company.

This authentic artisan cheese shop is located at the Hillstreet centre and sells delicious – and very reasonably price – cheeses, along with chutneys, sweet treats like homemade fudge and a whole range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to round off the experience.

The Chuckling Cheese is a haven where you can sample countless varieties of authentic Yorkshire cheese, then take your favourites home.

From the Wensleydale cheese that Yorkshire is famous for to unusual flavours like horseradish and caramelised red onion, plus curiosities like cheddar infused with real charcoal, there’s a cheese here to suit every person as well as every palate.

Where to eat in Doncaster if you’re vegan

From Yorkshire puddings and pikelets to the iconic Wensleydale cheese, Doncaster isn’t well known for its plant-based diet, but vegans need not worry –  you can pay a visit to The Greenhouse Eatery for a truly delicious and ethically-sourced vegan experience.

The Greenhouse serves dishes like jerk ‘chicken’ and cauliflower couscous or mushroom and walnut bourguignon that will delight vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike and the atmosphere inside the eatery is warm and friendly.

If you have any food intolerances you’ll also be very welcome as the Greenhouse Eatery offers a whole range of tasty gluten free and lactose free options. If you’ve got room at the end of your meal, make sure to try the deliciously indulgent chocolate orange tiramisu. It really is the perfect treat for a cold wintry evening.

Best Places to Eat in Eastbourne

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Eastbourne, you won’t be disappointed! From excellent vegetarian food to delicious prawn dishes, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

Where to eat in Eastbourne if you’re vegetarian or vegan

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, head to the The Green Almond Vegetarian Bistro, a family run vegetarian and vegan restaurant and cafe located behind the Grand Hotel in Compton Street.

The Green Almond’s delicious meat-free dishes – from tasty noodles to delicate Mediterranean-style salads – are complemented by a well-chosen selection of vegan wine, beer and cider as well as good quality coffee and tea for those who aren’t in the mood for a tipple.

The evening menu is especially good value, with a three-course meal for £20 per head available on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re visiting The Green Almond for an evening meal, bear in mind that vegan and gluten free options must be ordered in advance.

Don’t worry, vegetarian doesn’t always mean vegetables! Make sure you leave some room to enjoy The Green Almond’s delicious selection of homemade desserts.

Where to eat in Eastbourne if you are a seafood lover

For a taste of affordable luxury, head to COSMO Authentic World Kitchen. Eastbourne’s most cosmopolitan all you can eat global buffet serves dishes from all over the world, from classic beef brisket to savoury Chinese stir-fries and authentic Indian curries.

One of COSMO’s specialities is authentic Japanese sushi freshly prepared by expertly trained chefs. This is your chance to sample juicy king prawns, squid, mackerel, octopus and even eels if you’re feeling adventurous.

And if you’ve got room for a sweet treat afterwards you’re sure to enjoy the chocolate fountain, popcorn machine and ice cream fridges.

Alongside this truly tempting array of desserts, COSMO also boasts a well-stocked bar, meaning that you can accompany your seafood with a glass of wine or even bubbly for those special occasions when it’s time to treat yourself.

Best of all, COSMO’s all you can eat buffet menu means you can eat a delicious lunch from just £7.99 from Monday to Saturday.

Where to eat in Eastbourne for a sea view

If you’d like to enjoy an excellent meal while gazing out at the ocean, visit The Channel Restaurant.

The atmosphere is relaxed; staff are helpful and friendly and a range of quirky maritime decorations adorn the restaurant. The menu – as you’d expect – consists of plenty of fresh fish, although the meat dishes are equally as enjoyable, with the ‘steak on the stone’ a real highlight.

For a true local flavour, don’t miss the chance to round off your meal with a luxurious cheese platter, with fresh cheeses sourced from around Sussex and its neighbouring counties. The staff will only be too happy to suggest a pairing with one of their delicious wines.

The Channel Restaurant’s high-quality meals and fresh, locally-sourced produce are also very reasonably priced – you can eat a three-course meal for just £19.95, not including drinks.

And if you pay The Channel Restaurant a visit, don’t forget to look up at the ceiling and marvel at their famous quirky teapot chandeliers.

Where to eat in Eastbourne for romance

If you are looking for an old-fashioned romantic dinner date with candlelight and a piano playing, look no further than the Mirabelle restaurant at The Grand Hotel. Not only does this fine dining restaurant highly regarded amongst food critics and has received numerous awards, but the ambience created in the restaurant is a quiet haven for romantic couples. The restaurant dress code means that the meal won’t be a casual affair; but there is something special in dressing up for the occasion.  

Chef Malvoisin changes the menus weekly, but examples include delicious appetisers like suckling pig roasted rack and morel panna cotta, main courses such as the marinated halloumi and red onion relish and bulgur wheat couscous and heavenly desserts such as lichu dark chocolate delice and orange parfait with chocolate orange ganache and coconut and passion fruit mousse with kiwi and mango salsa.

Where to eat in Eastbourne with kids

Dining out with kids in tow can be a challenge. You want to be able to eat and enjoy your food while your kids are happy.

The family-run Harleywood American Diner in Eastbourne is ideal as younger children can sit in booth style seating while the adults sit on the outside of the booth to avoid chasing energetic toddlers around the room.

The menu offers favourites for adults and children alike such as the huge Superman Burger and some extra large shakes. The decor is part of the fun with giant models of superheroes and the characters from The Simpsons.

Good Places to Eat in Southampton

Are you planning to head to Southampton but you’re not sure where the best places are to eat? From a quick pit stop to a five-course meal, the city of Southampton has plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy.

where to eat in southampton

Where to eat in Southampton if you love cafe culture

That Lovely Little Cafe is every bit as sweet as it sounds. This charming coffee shop is the perfect place for a caffeine pit stop, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending a couple of hours sampling the extensive menu alongside your coffee.

Although That Lovely Little Cafe has plenty of sandwiches, cakes and quintessential coffee shop fare, it also offers brunches and even roasts on Sundays, with every dish made fresh to order.

There’s only one downside – it’s always full. Although you can take your food away (perhaps to the nearby New Forest as a picnic if you’re feeling adventurous) go early if you’d like to stop for lunch and soak up the atmosphere.

Where to eat in Southampton for a classic French bistro

Carnicero cook their impressive array of French-inspired dishes with only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, meaning that their fruit and vegetables are always in season and their dishes are full of rich flavours.

Seafood lovers in particular will be delighted by the array of fish dishes, freshly caught from local waters. The seafood linguine with mussels, crayfish and king prawns is one of the finest dishes on the menu – don’t miss the chance to sample it.

If you’d love a romantic night out for two or an elegant meal with friends, visit Carnicero on a Sunday night, when you can enjoy live music. Drink in the culture and enjoy your food with a glass of wine in the flickering candlelight, while a pianist serenades you.

Where to eat in Southampton for the best street food

For some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Southampton, pay a visit to It’s a Pizza Thing – you won’t be disappointed.

This street food truck sells a delicious selection of freshly-cooked pizza, including the famous Meat Feast – a pizza heaped with every conceivable kind of meat and topped with garlic sauce. It’s a Pizza Thing also sells sides of garlic bread along with a range of savoury and sweet (read: chocolate-filled!) calzone.

The truck is parked on Adelaide Road just outside the South Western Arms, with which it has an agreement. Order your pizza and head inside the pub to complete your feast with a pint of locally-brewed ale.

Where to eat in Southampton for variety

If you can’t make up your mind what to eat or you are entertaining several guests, there’s only one thing for it. Head to COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, where you’ll find dishes from around the globe cooked in front of you.

COSMO elevates the all you can eat global buffet concept to new levels, with dishes from every continent on the menu. Can’t choose between curry with naan bread, a traditional English roast or a Mediterranean cheese platter? You don’t have to!

For the truly indecisive, mini versions of all the main dishes are available so that you truly can sample everything. COSMO’s bar stocks an equally wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Where to eat in Southampton for Vietnamese food

You know the food must be good when reviews say that the food here is the best outside Vietnam! Pho Vietnam is a a great place to choose for a more unusual meal in Southampton and some authentic pho.

This restaurant is a firm favourite with locals and has a huge following of fans and regulars. You can bring-your-own alcohol with a corkage charge, so you can celebrate a special occasion by bringing a bottle of champagne.

Choose from flavoursome and automatic dishes such as summer rolls, tender caramelised pork, Vietnamese curry, rice rolls and pancakes and Vietnamese salad. The desserts are equally as popular – the exotic Pandan cheesecake is a favourite.