Harden's survey result
Summary
As a “reliable standby”, this Japanese-inspired ramen (noodle) chain still inspires many reports, and parents in particular see it as a “safe option”. Even some fans, though, acknowledge that “it’s not a gastronomic highlight” nowadays, and ratings are dragged significantly down by the few who feel it’s “lost its way”, with service that’s “not the fastest” and “food that used to be nice, but which is now not so good”.
Summary
“You know what you’ll get” at this Japanese-inspired chain, which celebrated its 30th birthday last year: “quick, tasty noodles with something for everyone”, all at a “relatively cheap” price. True, it can seem merely “fine” or “unexciting in every sense” and (“anyone wanting spice might need to look elsewhere)”. But, in particular, it’s “a solid family bet” – “very child-friendly” and “kids love it”. (Now with over 150 branches in the UK, in May 2022 they launched a new London flagship at Marble Arch, complete with outside seating by Hyde Park and a new cocktail menu).
Summary
“Reliable, fun and fast, with a nice range of healthy food” – this Japanese-inspired chain celebrates its 30th anniversary this year from a position of strength, with 42 branches across the capital and another 100 or so scattered across Britain and 21 other countries. Founded by Alan Yau, the restaurant guru who also launched Hakkasan, the chain cost The Restaurant Group more than half a billion pounds when it last changed hands in 2018. “You can’t go wrong here”, fans say – “the Wagas have always seemed to get the fast-food experience about right, so they’re absolutely reliable” – “every meal tastes the same, a bit like McDonalds” – “and if you’re not happy they’ll correct promptly and without a drama”. They cater for a wide range of occasions: from “a quick slurp of noodles over business”; via “a great (and efficient) place for families”; to branches close to theatres such as the South Bank arts centre (“perfect when you’re in a hurry before a concert”). There are muted complaints: branches can be “charmless” and “soft drink/small bottle prices are a rip off” – but a legion of regulars are happy that “you get what you pay for”.
Summary
“Our cheap, go-to choice when out and about” – this famous noodle chain’s ratings picked up after its October 2018 acquisition by The Restaurant Group, who seem to be re-establishing its core virtues as “an OK place to eat in a hurry”, with a “solid and reliable bowl of ramen” that “fills a hole”, in a “collective” and “busy” canteen setting, all at a “reasonable price”. Even despite TRG’s Company Voluntary Agreement in 2020, the chain emerged relatively unscathed losing just two London branches (Mansion House and the ‘noodle lab’ test kitchen on Dean Street). They’re particularly “a firm family-favourite” – “kids love the experience, the service is quick, and it’s nice for them to have something that’s more exciting than a pizza/pasta/burger”. The branch by the Royal Festival Hall is notably handy – “a great option on the South Bank”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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