Greenfields Restaurant — Restaurant in England

Such a lot to say. Firstly I have rarely been to a place with such friendly and genuine staff, everybody was polite courteous helpful and had a smile.

I haven't been here in quite some years as it's just a little traditional for my usual tastes, but there is so much that could be done with this restaurant it has some really interesting bones, it's style is in late 70s early 80s style, I think this is more about having never been updated. The restaurant has interesting sections and follys (like many restaurants of this era) and some interesting views over the shopping parade. With some ingenuity and creativity this could be transformed into a destination eatery it's huge with loads of space. I would love to get my hands on this from a design perspective! It could be so interesting, with it's desert section restaurant and it's garden section(signs exist but it's all just sit anywhere) the original iron chairs are in the back closed section which looks fantastic and again if utilised correctly looks so fun! Just imagine having a dessert section full of snacks (lots of people go out just for desserts...think classics but done really well!)

Now onto the downsides...and the average bits...

First the average bits, the food is average not offensive but nothing amazing. Portion sizes are decent and laid out with care. Food came out promptly again with a server who had a smile. It's just not top tier ingredients but it's not mega priced either so it's just okay.

The bit that bothered me the most (as a bit of a clean freak) is just that... EVERYTHING needs a real deep clean... So many interesting things and great views but euch ... I wanted to wipe everywhere. The bonket seating needs reupholstering or at least shampooing as this would make it nicer. There is broken wood/plastic in the bay windows which just showed the lack of aesthetic care. And the floors were not filthy but could do with a deep clean to bring them back to former glory.

The toilets were much the same not revolting but just a bit grimy a good deep clean on all the grout and some mould spray on the seals and the new doors were not sealed so have that oil hand mark area...

Lastly lighting makes such a difference to transform a space. The old restaurant area was closed at the back which has all the old iron chairs(so fun looking) and the lights were turned off ... Above us in the garden area were flickering lights ... It's just the lack of care from an otherwise amazing team.

Message directly for the owners, you have a great interesting space and it could be so kitsch and a real destination diner. Consider having a designer come in and do the place up. Keep the stained glass the iron chairs the sign and the oldies look ...get rid of the new style chairs and fix the lighting and add more mood lighting. Clean the bonket seating and have someone make you new menus the laminated ones look cheap...get a menu book and stick high grade paper ones in it. You can still print but change the specials quarterly and have a specials insert. Try Canva it's a free online tool for this sort of thing ! Don't try to copy the drab places that do a half arsed attempt at copying Starbucks or Costa we already have too many of them. Let me come back and update my review to a Wow this place is just stunning. Your team were amazing but you are missing some great tricks. Google the Florist restaurants but do this with a 70s/80s style. Once you have, go to town on advertising downstairs and on social media all the local forums for kuton! Maybe even try those old world uniforms with the frilly half aprons go for it it would be so fun !

Wishing you...

I've always had a soft spot for Greenfields and have been going ever since being a child, especially with my family. Family restaurant describes Greenfields perfectly. It's got a good grill and things like burgers and fry ups are what I particularly enjoy there. A lot of people will criticize the list prices at Greenfields and it is indeed expensive, but I have always found the food to be hot, good quality and with good service. I am always happy to pay for Greenfields because it's a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Arndale. It's upstairs and out of the way and a perfect place for people who need a break whilst shopping such as the elderly or people with anxiety that need a quiet place to sit and enjoy their food. They serve alcohol as well if it's a particularly stressful day, as well as ice cream if you have children. The decor is a little dated but I probably wouldn't go anymore if it changed, as it's the memories and frozen in time nature of this family friendly environment that holds most of it's appeal. It's nice to go to a restaurant where a waitress who has known you since you were in a pushchair serves you. McDonald's is cheaper by far, but to sit down and enjoy the food in front of you is why I will always pay the extra at Greenfields. They have won many awards from the Mall and rightly so as it's been there for so long. With the loss of Tim's kitchen in the market this is one of the last bastions of greasy spoon/casual and family dining inside the Mall Luton. Easily wheelchair and disabled access by the lift and also right next to the indoor disabled parking...

The experience was pretty quick to be honest, my cooked breakfast came out suspiciously quickly. The beans were cold and the bacon could have been crispier. My partner ordered a tuna sandwich and there was more tuna than bread in most cases this wouldn’t be a problem but they cut it into 4 triangles like they are trying to feed a toddler. Sandwich also included a lovely garnish of lettuce cucumber and tomato, this should have been put into the sandwich. I also had a coffee and luckily that was okay. Mum used to bring me here when I was younger and I don’t believe it’s improved with age. They don’t even hide the use of the microwave and the prices are steep for the quality and service. Better off going to McDonald’s to be honest. Have...