Flambo's Jambo’s Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent

Reviews

1. Albert Power ★☆☆☆☆

   We recently visited with two families including two young children, and were very disappointed with the experience, especially considering the £180 we spent. The kids’ food options were extremely limited—only chips, pasta, and fried chicken selects. No pizza, which is usually a go-to for children. We specifically asked about pizza and were misled into thinking it was included, only to be told later it was available upstairs and not at this buffet. This wasn’t made clear when we paid. When we raised our concerns, we were met with a cold response: “You pay for what you get.” That’s not what you expect when you’re paying a premium and trying to feed small children who barely ate five chips. The manager showed zero empathy—clearly not someone who understands the needs of families with young children. For a place that brands itself as family-friendly, this was a real letdown. Alton Towers really needs to rethink who they’re putting in charge of these operations. We expected better. Please note, the chef, was brilliant really tried to help, clearly had children in her life.

   almost 9 months ago
2. Christine Birch ★★★★☆

   I nearly cancelled our reservation after reading the bad reviews on here but didn’t as it suited us as the kids just came out the waterpark. We went in at 5.45 and was actually pleasantly surprised With the food. It’s all self service so cannot really comment on the service but the empty plates were taken from our table on a regular basis. Food was nice and hot and replenished very quickly. I don’t know if this is because we ate early. You pay as you go in and have juice and water included so definitely a ‘canteen’ feel. There is a bar so you can purchase drinks separately. It was pricey but to be fair everything at Alton towers is way overpriced. My only issue was the dessert station where you can get ice-cream but only in a cone. You put the cone in a machine and it dispenses a soft scoop ice-cream. You had small kids going up on their own after half eating the ice-cream putting it back in the machine to top it up. Not the most hygienic but you cannot blame the restaurant for that, the children are not being properly supervised.

   almost 10 months ago
3. Greg Smith ★★★☆☆

   The food was OK but not the greatest. This seems to be a bit of a theme throughout the hotels. We had breakfast here, sausages were pretty dry, and so were the pancakes. The only bonus is that it was all you can eat.

   1 year ago

1. Richard Karop ★☆☆☆☆

   After being charged £25per person for a buffet and £10 with drinks at nearly £4 it was £75 for an evening basic meal. I reported 2 chefs that were stood in the main kitchen area oggling at a teenage girl mentioning she was thick. The manager asked me if I wanted free drinks or a bottle of wine just as I was going to bed. It was reported to a lady called Becki who told me she was the manager. I never heard back and it made me feel uncomfortable as I was there with my female partner and child. Disgusted. Issue not resolved the restaurant and hotel are a complete shambles.

   almost 3 years ago
2. John Stoddart ★★★★☆

   Me and my flaming stayed over in the Splash Landings hotel for 1 night. We were turned away at The Rollercoaster Restaurant- No space and were fully booked for 2 weeks in advance. We went to check in at the hotel and decided to check out Flambo’s Jambo’s on what they could offer to feed a family of 4. After reading previous reviews, we weren’t holding our hopes this was going to be any good. We dined here for dinner at 1700 and breakfast the following morning at 0800. Price - The prices differ from dinner to lunch buffet. A large hike in price difference for an adult. Kids price you get an unlimited refill drink. Adults however, you have to purchase them separately. Still, for the price, you can’t go wrong when it’s unlimited refills. I must add, I dined here at 1700. Paying for 4 of us, just shy of £73! Staff and customer service - You pay at the counter before you head to the entrance where a staff member shows you to your table. Staff at the pay counter, she was okay but I felt she lacked a little enthusiasm. The team in the restaurant, I can’t really fault them. The speed they work at to keep tables cleaned is excellent. We weren’t regularly checked on by the staff, kind of left to sit down and help yourself to it all. Same goes for the Buffett breakfast. In general, staff were happy, friendly and helpful. Cleanliness - Areas are kept clean as often as they could. Not really slot of mess at the food or drinks stations. Excess plates were cleared from our table regularly to stop too many from piling up. General area of the restaurant I can complain about cleanliness, it was to be fair… just kept clean and maintained. Tables - These were small. Sitting 4 of us on a small table, one at each end was a squeeze. Especially with drinks and plates on the table, there wasn’t much room. Unless you’re a family or party size of more than 4, be prepared to be sat a small table. This is really a negative review about tables, I just felt a larger table would of been a little less of a squeeze and better. Now to the main part… Food - I did read some of the previous reviews before dining here. In my opinion, my expectations were a lot better than read. I have attached a photo of the 2023 Menu, this of which is a wide range of food to offer. Staff asked before being seated if there were and allergens or intolerance so they could cater to our needs, which there was none for us. All the food was delicious. The kids ate a number of plate with lots of different varieties. Me, oh my. I ate so much I pretty much ended up into a food coma as I rolled back to my hotel room. Firstly I tired the Chilli Con Carne with rice, also along with the Chicken Tikka, and a naan on the side. This was lovely and tasty, a little spicy but still delicious. I also tried the roast carvery section, having a steak and vegetable pie (Not on the menu) The pie was lovely! I also had lots of other bits, but more of a mixture plate of things. Desserts - Tons of cakes and gateau’s to select from. Freshly cut fruit salad. On the end is the icing on the cake (excuse the pun). There was a kitchen staff member stood at a freezer serving scoops of Carte Dor ice cream, in a cone or a tub. Not many flavours to select from, but who doesn’t love Carte Dor ice cream. Overall, I would recommend Flambos Jambos. Food was delicious and extremely filling. Even though extortionate on price, (Where isn’t in Alton Tower?) you leave here with full stomach and satisfied. Reason for a 4 star and not 5, there was a few things I could pick up on for improvement, but that’s just me being really pedantic. In my opinion, go try it for yourself. Don’t go by the other reviews like I did.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Becky Baker ★★★★★

   The food was very good quality and there was a big variety. It was always kept well stocked and fresh. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Nice to have a refillable drink with the meal. Kids get a free refillable drink. The prices are quite high but so are all the prices within the park. They offer allergy books for anyone with allergies. They also offer to cook some vegan and vegetarian options. No booking needed for dinner.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Mike Newbury ★★★☆☆

   Reserved a place here for a 7pm evening meal. There was a slight queue and delay before being seated. Staff were really good, friendly and helpful. Food and drinks are ordered through a link and brought to the table. It is possible to call over a member of staff who can do it manually if you don't want to use your phone or have allergies. The ordering service is good enough and it does give you a fairly decent time estimate of when it will be delivered. Prices are a little steep - £15 for a burger, but it's what you'd expect for a hotel restaurant. The food itself looked lush and tasted good, like others say on par with a Harvester. The burger was slightly dry but the Jerk pit 1/2 chicken was delicious. The puddings are ordered separately or they would have arrived at the same time. Chocolate fudge cake was nice, but not as nice as it looked and the key lime pie was generous. Overall it's worth a visit, just know what to expect and don't be disappointed.

   almost 5 years ago

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