Hey stoofer and others: have a look at the blatant advertising on the Northumberland forum! It's been reported by a number of us but is still there; however it's not about sandwiches from UK chain outlets (PS that programme is on again tonight on "More 4").

Hmmmm... just Hmmmm :-)

Stoofer

Consider value not cheapness. seldom injudicious see John Ruskin.1819 -1900 wisdom.

One tries to add symbiosis & facts. Assistant F & B Manager provided me with the costing figures.

My persual Ramsay Claridges Accounts clearly show around 27% Profit Margin.So GR can't & never gives 2 for 1 but Wagas can & does as much higher PM.

Cannot say my dopamine receptors would be put in top gear by pork belly even if cooked by M.Duchasse himself. Nor if staying Louvre Bourse would travel to 19eme La D {tooting] for vegetable curry even if cooked by the Tamarind Chef.

PUB {see low figures of beer drunk] Chains incl Weatherspoons give excellent balanced value for

meals as have to make up shortfall& encourage beer drinking so meals for tourists. [e.g. Americans as the artificial E R makes London so expensive] are good value. PQR

Regmaiche

symbiosis should not be added; no E number!

2 for 1 meal deals provide half off the less expensive main meal, not half off the total restaurant bill. Some of the restaurants "loss" is covered by increased drinks, desserts, and possibly tips.

The other goal of the restaurant's discount offer is to bring in new customers, bring in old customers more often, and fill tables. Fixed cost per meal will decline with the increase in volume.

Wagamama has been recommended as a budget eatery for years. I thought the prices were too high for my family of four. A 2 for 1 offer might lure me through their door.

Accountancy??

"consider value not cheapness" Yes, but Weatherspoons is cheap. Good value? Possibly if it's only the food cost that concerns you.

Many use the above chains, the reason for this thread, and consider 1/2 price good value regardless of mark-ups. As has been noted, in reality few restaurants offer good value if you look at it from Reg's perspective. And, drinks do make up the profit.

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As a side note for Reg....

"Would not travel (Tooting) for a vegetable curry"

??? As you appear to comment on one of my contributions on another thread here (can't think why) one must ask what qualifies your dismissal? Have you dined at Kashtoori and can compare it with several years eating around India? Or is this critic for critic sake?

For what it's worth, I've had a truly unremarkable and expensive meal at Tamarind and many review sites consistently agree that many of the 'top' West End Indian restaurants simply fail to deliver, I've stopped using them. Kashtoori is the sort of place Al Prasad would go for his dinner when of duty IMO. I know many experienced foodies who will and do travel to Tooting and Southall in search of taste.

You probably don't know what you're missing.

Sorry, this should be on the Indian food thread :-)

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if anyone else would offer a review/recommendation for Loch Fyne I'd be much obliged.

Stoofer

? Overlooked John Ruskin saying.

The information I offered source Graduate of Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne & chef in starred restaurant . Recall also owner has to make a living in view of risk reward ratio moreso if Coy has shareholders also! Dividends

Review sites place reliance on reviewer’s business acumen . doubtful robustness. E.g “ poached chicken £20 expensive” Reviewer had over looked the truffles! Many restaurants offer good value consider Darwinism how long life of Le Caprice Le Gavroche { many go bust 2 of Ramsays ]

One always aims to please

Loch Fyne review by above Chef friend

“Several choices Had Dover sole Ok - bit small - skin s burnt - fair value"

Chefs not over voluble work < 50 hours. rough amateur precis

“ Food Ok nothing special chef needs more practice Re veg rest Tooting if one were say Paris tourist 7 days hols staying in 1eme ( Louvre) would one go all the way to 19eme ( La Defense ). Unlikely . Likewise London tourist Tooting not a vacation area anymore La D.

Also not wishing to risk having deficiency of one essential amino acid - I am not vegetarian but carnivore! So sad dietic reqs impede my following such expertise of which in past threads I have not been fulsome in my praise

Regmaiche

Please omit "not"

Sorry am not typist hence erros pus dyslexia

Regmaiche

I'm getting a bit lost on this thread; I hope "they" shut it down soon!

Do Loch Fyne "kippers" travel on the overnight "sleeper"?

That's one for our US brothers/sisters!

Reg,

I think you miss my point re Tooting, for some, it's worth the travel but moving on....

Thanks for what I think is review of Loch Fyne, sounds like its worth a try. I've only seen the big one at Portsmouth Quay, not seen the London branches, not that I've looked. 2 for 1 would seem to be worth a visit.

I know you like chefs and entrepreneurs, so talking fish, last year I met Ian Spink after trying his famous Abroath Smokies, never had better fish and the guy is very switched on, an inspiration! :-)

Buddy,

If that was right, I'll definitely try, somehow I suspect that might be a bit optimistic? I'm really not sure, it's a food chain I know nothing about.

Must go and send in a review, that's the answer:-)

Stoofer