Bon Pan Asian Restaurant — Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent

As I have been to the other two locations in Liverpool and Dudley (Merry Hill), I thought why not go here as we were this side of town. Easy to find and on entry was smooth going to our table as we had pre-booked. The atmosphere didn't seem as busy for a Saturday night but that should make for better service. Service was ok, the nicest staff were at the bar. Others gave the impression that they were there because they had to be. Food wise, the starters were nice from the selection I chose. Better variety, cooked well and flavoured well. Thought the variety compared to the Merry Hill branch was better but then when we got to the mains this is where I was let down. I felt like having an Indian dish where the Lamb Rogan Josh was too salty. The naan had finished so I thought I'd get some rice but looking at it, it wasn't pleasant looking. Took a bit on my plate to taste which tasted under cooked. Told a staff member who laughed about it and then went to the back. The naan came out which looked like a slice of bread more than anything. Too thick and when I looked at the chef it appeared that they were made in bulk and then placed in a tray wrapped in cling film sitting in it's heat. The only thing that this created was a rubbery naan which is not what I wanted. My wife who's vegetarian wanted a teppanyaki which isn't normally a problem at other venues or buffet places where the chef would put water on the hot plate to clean it prior to placing the food on to cook it, however even though my wife said she was a vegetarian the chef wouldn't acknowledge this and even when another member of staff was consulted they just said they wouldn't do it. Nice to know they acknowledge requirements! The fruit selection was good as well as the desserts but feel that since the experience of the food I was left disappointed. Overall, it was ok but out of the branches probably not the best out of them all. Based on the experience definitely not worth the money I've paid. There was a better experience at the other...

So my brother in law suggested going to this place to celebrate my 39+5 birthday. Going out and eating is a professional sport for me and the family and it takes quite a bit to impress me. However, my brother in law is a short order chef at The Wok Shop in Stafford(as well as my father in law) so when he says he likes the place you should pay attend.

I am always slightly dubious of all-you-can-eat places. Generally they have a bit of a "canteen" vibe going for them. Can't be helped it's just the way it is. However, I was very pleasantly surprised with the condition and decor the restaurant which had more in common with a Bistro than a cafe.

As good as it may look the true test is in the food, which I cannot fault. We got there just after 6 pm on a weekday and everything was fresh. You honestly could not fault it. I made a concerted effort to go around all the stations which dish was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Sometimes you go to an all-you-can-eat place and everything taste the same. So if they have curry inevitably all I taste is curry in every dish.

Not so here.

The variety is wide as it would be serving "Pan-Asian" cuisine. Italian/Greek inspired salad bar, a small selection of Thai and Indian curries. Dishes including fresh grilled corn on the cob, leg of lamb and stone baked pizzas and I haven't even mentioned the sushi and wide selection of Chinese dishes and the teppanyaki station

...and the deserts... Hmm, the usual jellies and cakes are present as well as a chocolate fountain and ice cream (not squirty) but the standout dessert for me was the homemade bread and butter pudding.

I was so full, but had to force it down (only a small piece:D) and then have one of their homemade Viennese all-butter biscuits.

We're not local, but already planning a visit on our way back from Alton Towers later in the year. I really could not recommend it enough. Be warned I understand the weekends they have queues going out the...

I booked a table for 20 people 4 weeks in advance, I paid the deposit early and they told me they can accommodate a table and group of this size and we would more than likely have a small room/section to ourselves. We arrived today and they separated us into a table of 12 and then a table of 8. I explained that we were told that they could accommodate a table of 20. The manager said no we can't. We asked if we could join some more tables together. Manager just kept repeating nope. we can't accommodate this. I said that we are celebrating a graduation and that I specifically booked for this reason. The manager just kept repeating and saying no. He said sorry but in a tone to show he just wasn't bothered. We had already paid so they didn't bother being accommodating. No proper apology or offering us some money back.

The food itself was awful, I dont know what has happened but the selection and the quality has really gone downhill. We also collected alot of plates being such a large group but no one came to clear them, We were just shoved at the end of a section and forgotten about. The manager saw me getting food and offered me a free drink, which i thought was a nice gesture. But it didn't stop this from being an exceptionally disappointing visit and ruining our celebration. Also with the prices £15.99 drinks should be included, or at least refillable coke etc.

Never coming here again. Terrible customer service, staff obviously lie about being accommodating and the food has really gone down...