Harden's survey result
Summary
“You know exactly what you are going to get, and it’s fine for what it is” – that’s the overall verdict this year on these enduring Japanese-inspired (but not especially authentic) ramen canteens. As always, there are those who say it “seems to have gone downhill”, but its ratings for a cheap ’n’ cheerful refuelling stop were actually pretty decent in the last poll – way ahead of many mass-market chains. Top Top – “a firm family favourite” that’s “a hit with younger members of the family: service is quick and efficient and the food is always predictable”.
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”.
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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