The Mayflower - Basingstoke and Deane

Having not been to the Mayflower for their Sunday buffet for many years we were looking forward to a great lunch. As so many have also commented the service isn’t great at all very slow, not attentive at all. The prices for the buffet on the website are out of date it was a lot more expensive. If you go there with Children be aware of their 140cm height limit. My 12yr old was hauled over to the height chart they have on the wall. We have always rated the food and have had many a takeaway in the past. However, this experience was very different. The food was well below average. The house special was the most disappointing Hard and actually burnt noodles

Some food was excellent. Seafood crispy noodle. Szechuan aborigine. Pak Choi with ginger. All super tasty. But the steamed rice was dry not good at all. Service not great: lady with glasses, cold, abrupt and unfriendly. Lady without glasses, warm, smiley and friendly. However once the food was served neither of them came over to check that it was ok. And there was hardly anyone else in the restaurant so they had plenty of time to do so. Service was added onto the bill at 10% without checking with us that we were happy to pay it. I would not rush back.

We’ve both visited the Mayflower many times over the years, either with friends or work colleagues. The food has always been good and today was the first time we’d ever been together. I don’t know if it’s under new management or has a new chef but we agreed that it was quite possibly the best Chinese meal we’ve ever had. (And we’ve had a lot! The food was exceptional; very fresh and the portions very generous. Just for a change, instead of the usual duck and pancakes, we opted for the crispy lamb in a lettuce wrap. What a good decision! The staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful. Every mouthful was a joy and we’ll be back again very soon.

This is now my favourite Chinese restaurant. Service is always good, food is superb. Will be back every time I’m in town.

Just been here for first time, recommended by a friend. Great service, good food,, had a good evening.